Christmas Week Storm In Somerset County: Here’s The Forecast

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Severe weather is expected to hit Somerset County on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, packing 30- to 60-mph winds that could cause power outages.

The National Weather Service has now issued a hazardous weather outlook, saying heavy rain and strong 60-mph winds could cause problems on local roads and highways and power outages.

Here is what to expect from the storm that's expected to impact the region between 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve and 12 noon on Christmas:

• A strong storm system will impact New Jersey late Thursday through Friday morning with several weather impacts expected.
• Expect heavy rain and warm temperatures leading to rapid snowmelt and areas of flooding, especially northwest of the suburban corridor
• Expect strong winds leading to power outages and tree damage
• Expect isolated showers and storms accompanied with gusts strong than 60 mph leading to wind damage, especially south and east of I-95

Here are the wind estimates:

Here is the forecast:

• Thursday: Rain likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Thursday Night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 47. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Christmas Day: A chance of rain showers before 4 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.