NJ Weather: Severe Thunderstorms, Damaging Winds Possible

NEW JERSEY - Severe weather is expected to hit New Jersey on Thursday, bringing thunderstorms and damaging winds. The bad weather could have an impact on the coronavirus response, and it could force some areas to delay testing and other services.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for all New Jersey, saying thunderstorms were expecred to begin on Thursday afternoon and last into the evening, and may be accompanied by damaging wind gusts and hail.

A flash flood warning was in effect in parts of New Jersey. Here are the alerted areas:

Here is what's expected to happen:

• The bad weather was supposed to start with rain after 10 a.m.
• The worst of the weather was expected to hit after 12 noon on Thursday, when thunder is expected to occur.
• Wind gusts are expected to exceed 20 mph, especially beginning at mid-day.

The combination of lingering tropical moisture and a weather battle zone will set the stage for repeating downpours that can lead to flooding, according to AccuWeather. Forecasters say the flooding risk could extend into next week.

As cool air pushes toward the Atlantic coast on Thursday, warm and humid air will be lifted, and moisture in the atmosphere will be squeezed out in the form of torrential downpours on Thursday, according to AccuWeather.

Downpours along much of the I-95 corridor could be heavy enough to lead to localized urban and poor drainage area flooding along with travel disruptions, according to AccuWeather.

Here is the forecast:

• Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 83. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then a slight chance of showers between midnight and 1 a.m. Patchy fog between 1am and 3 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.