Weather
NJ Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect in NJ for a system that's packing 60-mph wind gusts and hail. An isolated tornado is possible.
NEW JERSEY — A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for all of New Jersey now that severe weather is expected on Wednesday. An isolated tornado is also possible, the NWS says.
The watch, which is in effect until 8 p.m., is for storms packing 60 mph — or worse — wind gusts and hail, forecasters say.
Most of the storms are expected to hit between 6 p.m. and midnight, the NWS says.
Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop late this afternoon and evening. Some storms may be strong to severe with damaging winds and small hail possible. Meanwhile, it'll be a hot and humid afternoon under partly cloudy skies. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/2YRaifwda1
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) May 26, 2021
Special Marine Warning including the Waters from Manasquan Inlet NJ to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 to 40 nm, Coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm and Coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet NJ out 20 nm until 7:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/64OtwIKdaZ
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) May 26, 2021
The storms could also bring much-needed rain to a region that has suffered from wildfires and been under an open-fire ban. Read more: NJ Bans Open Fires In 10 Counties After Acres Of Forest Burn
Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The storm could be especially troublesome during the evening commute.
We are still expecting showers and storms to develop this afternoon into this evening with some of them likely becoming severe. Damaging winds are the greatest threat. #PAWX #NJWX #MDWX #DEWX pic.twitter.com/y6G4i7DsiB
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) May 26, 2021
AccuWeather says the winds could actually be as strong as 80 mph, and as cool air clashes with the sultry air in place, stormy conditions will unfold. As this front slices into the building heat and humidity in the Northeast, the likelihood of thunderstorms and the potential for gusty winds and isolated severe weather increases, AccuWeather says.
Storms could be more robust and more liberally scattered across the region, according to AccuWeather. Some of the storms will carry the risk of isolated tornadoes as well as hail, high winds and frequent lightning strikes from eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia to Delaware, New Jersey and much of New England during Wednesday afternoon and early Wednesday evening.
Here is the forecast:
- Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
- Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 1 a.m and 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible, except for higher amounts in thunderstorms.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 82. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
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