NJ Weather: Thunderstorms, 60-MPH Winds Possible

NEW JERSEY – Severe storms and damaging 60-mph winds are possible in New Jersey this week, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service says an isolated strong to severe thunderstorm is possible late Thursday afternoon and into the evening. A hazardous weather outlook is in effect for most of the state.

Many of the storms will be in Central and South Jersey and will begin after 6 p.m.

A high-wind warning will be in effect beginning on Friday and lasting into Saturday, with westerly wind gusts of 45 to 60 mph likely during the afternoon.

These winds will likely be more impactful in terms of tree damage and possible power outages, the NWS says.

Here's what to expect:

• WHEN...West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible.
• WHEN...From Friday afternoon through late Friday night.
• IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The strongest wind gusts are most likely to occur Friday evening through the early morning hours on Saturday.

Here is the forecast:

• Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 9 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., then a chance of showers after 3 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday: A slight chance of showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of showers after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Breezy, with a west wind 13 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.
• Friday night: A 20 percent chance of showers before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph.
• Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.