New Jersey residents are being urged to brace for a dangerous afternoon as a flood watch has been issued for parts of 15 counties, with severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flash flooding all on the table before the day is over.
The watch goes into effect starting at 2 p.m. Monday and covers Bergen, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Union, northwestern Burlington, and western Monmouth counties.
Forecasters say rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected — with isolated spots potentially seeing up to 3 inches. What makes this particularly dangerous is the speed at which that rain could fall. Rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour are possible during the heaviest downpours, leaving little time for water to drain and dramatically raising the risk of flash flooding on roads and in low-lying areas.
The morning may feel calm, but that will change fast.
Storms are expected to begin as isolated cells in the mid-afternoon before organizing into larger clusters by late afternoon and into the evening. Damaging winds are considered the primary threat, but forecasters have not ruled out the possibility of a tornado.
Beachgoers along the Shore also face serious danger Monday. A high rip current risk has been issued for Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties, with a moderate risk in Monmouth County. Swimmers are strongly advised to stay out of the water.
Temperatures will reach the upper 70s to mid-80s before the storms move through. Rain is expected to taper off overnight.
Tuesday brings more unsettled weather, with scattered showers and thunderstorms possible by afternoon, though forecasters say those storms are not expected to reach severe levels. Highs will remain in the upper 70s to low 80s.
Wednesday and Thursday should offer a break, with dry conditions and clearing skies expected.
Another storm system may arrive by Friday into Saturday, though forecasters note there is significant uncertainty in the timing — with estimates varying by as much as 18 hours.
Residents in the affected counties are advised to avoid flood-prone roads, have emergency supplies ready, and monitor local alerts closely throughout the day.
