Bergen County: Tropical Storm Warning Issued As Isaias Approaches

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for Bergen County as tropical storm Isaias is expected to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding on Tuesday.

As of Monday morning, Isaias is sitting off the northern coast of Florida approaching the Carolinas, where it is expected to regain hurricane strength, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm will weaken as it heads northeast, according to the NWS, but tropical storm conditions are still expected early Tuesday into the evening hours.

In response, Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a statewide state of emergency, effective at 5 a.m. Tuesday.

When the storm will hit, and how hard, are still to be determined, the NWS says, but the county and state will more than likely feel the effects of the storm.

"Confidence continues to increase with respect to the magnitude of local hazards and impacts," the NWS said.

The system is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, which may cause "minor to moderate" coastal flooding, as well as high surf and dangerous rip currents.

Up to 6-inches of rain are possible, the NWS says, with a widespread expectation of 2 to 4-inches likely.

The heaviest rains will impact northeastern New Jersey, and the New York City metro area is likely to see the strongest winds.

As a result, the NWS has issued a flash flood watch for Bergen County, beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

According to the NWS, tornadoes may have a "possible limited impact" as the area feels the effects of the storm.

If a tornado warning is issued, here's what the NWS says to do:

"If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options."

Here's the forecast for today and tomorrow:

Today

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 6 to 8 MPH.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 10 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Increasing clouds, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 3 to 6 MPH. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday

Tropical storm conditions expected. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 80. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2-inches possible.

Tuesday Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. Southeast wind 7 to 13 MPH becoming west in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2-inches possible.

Read more: Flash Floods, 70-MPH Winds For NJ From Tropical Storm Isaias