Severe Thunderstorm Watch In NJ As Laura Remnants Expected

NEW JERSEY – A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for eight New Jersey counties on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The warning come as remnants of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Laura are expected to hit the state through Saturday.

The severe thunderstorm watch will be in effect until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. But more bad weather is expected to arrive in New Jersey on Saturday, too.

Indeed, rain, thunder and lightning are expected to arrive after 4 p.m. on Friday and last, off and on, until Sunday morning.

Here are the alerted areas:

A severe thunderstorm constitutes a thunderstorm that produces one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or greater than 58 mph, according to the NWS.

“Greater thunderstorm coverage today than yesterday, though less overall likelihood for severe weather,” wrote the National Weather Service on Friday. “Greater chance for severe weather into Saturday as the remnants of Laura move into our region along a cold front. Severe weather potential greater if skies remain clearer.”

After hitting the Gulf coast, remnants of what was Hurricane and Tropical Storm Laura were expected to then shift east and bring heavy rains and storms to New Jersey on Saturday.

Some of these storms could be locally strong to severe, and include:

• Strong to damaging winds the main threat.
• Locally heavy rain, but widespread flooding is not expected.
• Tropical moisture and a strong cold front will affect the area Saturday with additional showers and some thunderstorms.
• Localized flash flooding possible where enhanced rainfall rates occur.
• Strong to severe storms are possible, though this risk is dependent on cloud cover, which remains less certain at this time.

During the watch, residents should review thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather should be present.

In the event that power outages occur, customers are encouraged to report outages by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877); clicking the "Report Outage" link on www.firstenergycorp.com; or by texting out to 544487.

Customers should immediately report downed wires to 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or call their local police department. JCP&L reminds customers to stay away from downed wires, even if they believe they are no longer carrying electricity.

Here is the forecast:

• Friday afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 a.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Patchy fog after 10pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9 a.m. High near 83. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
• Saturday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 63. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.