Essex County Under Tornado Watch

A tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday for northeast New Jersey.

The National Weather Service is predicting severe thunderstorms, hail and damaging winds for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union Counties in New Jersey, as well as the possibility of a few tornadoes.

The severe weather outlook also includes New York City, as well as parts of southeast New York state and Connecticut.

Between a quarter and a half-inch of rain is possible this afternoon in South Orange, where there is a 60 percent chance of rain after 1 p.m.

Around South Orange and Maplewood, garage sales ended early and locals are checking rain dates for block parties. 

Things are looking brighter for Sunday. The forecast calls for a mostly sunny day and a high near 77.

Please report any additional weather cancellations in the comments below.