Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued In New Jersey: Timeline, Impacts

NEW JERSEY — A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued across parts of New Jersey through 9 p.m. Tornadoes, hail, heavy rain and strong wind gusts are possible as the system moves eastward across the region, the National Weather service said.

Ten New Jersey counties are included in the watch, including Morris, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset and beyond.

The National Weather Service is tracking severe weather Thursday across several adjacent states. In addition to New Jersey, the watch is currently in place in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and beyond. The flood risk is elevated because of saturated ground.

The National Weather Service says the winds on Thursday could be potentially damaging and cause power outages. There is also potential for small hail up to quarter-size.

Embedded within the upcoming shower and thunderstorm system may be small pockets of severe weather, according to AccuWeather.

Here is the forecast:

This Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds, gusty winds, and heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Rain is expected to continue through Friday, before clearing in time for the weekend. Then the heat moves in.

High temperatures both Saturday and Sunday are expected to hit the 90s.