NJ Weather: Tornado Watch In 6 Counties As Severe Storms Expected

A tornado watch is now in effect in six New Jersey counties as the risk for severe thunderstorms later Tuesday afternoon and evening, and during the overnight hours, has increased.

A tornado watch is now in effect in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. The watch is supposed to expire at 12 midnight. A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect in Sussex and Warren counties until 8:15 p.m.

The main threat is from damaging wind gusts, but an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, according to the National Weather Service. Locally heavy rainfall and minor urban flooding is also possible. There is also a marginal risk for flash flooding.

The worst is expected to come after 11 p.m. Here are the alerted areas:

Central Jersey, South Jersey and the Jersey Shore also could run into trouble with the weather, but the chances are much less significant, according to the National Weather Service.

Periods of sunshine will be broken up by rounds of potentially heavy storms across Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Jersey and southern New York, interrupting anyone taking advantage of the warmth by tackling outdoor projects, field work and exercise, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said in a release. "However, wet weather will hold off until the late afternoon and nighttime hours along the I-95 corridor," she said.

Those spending time outdoors on Tuesday should keep an eye on the sky and head indoors at the first sign of threatening weather, according to AccuWeather.

Widespread flash flooding is not anticipated, according to AccuWeather. But, the rain can further soak fields and delay the harvest for farmers, Pydynowski warned.

Here is the forecast:

• Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then a chance of showers. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Wednesday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
• Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Light north wind.
• Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Thursday night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tom Davis photo