New Jersey residents are facing a dangerous double threat this holiday weekend — dangerous flooding already underway Sunday night, with an extreme heat wave set to grip all 21 counties just days later.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in effect until 10:45 p.m. Sunday for portions of southern New Jersey, including parts of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties. The warning was triggered at 7:51 p.m. after Doppler radar detected severe thunderstorms dumping rain at a rate of 1.5 to 2 inches per hour across the affected areas.
Flash flooding is either already occurring or expected to begin at any moment, forecasters warned. The danger does not stop at state lines — the warning also extends into southeastern Pennsylvania, covering parts of Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia County.
Residents in low-lying areas, near streams, or in flood-prone neighborhoods should avoid travel, stay off roads, and never attempt to drive through flooded streets. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down. Two feet can sweep away a vehicle.
But the threat does not end Sunday night.
The National Weather Service has placed all 21 New Jersey counties under an extreme heat watch beginning Wednesday afternoon — and the dangerous conditions are expected to linger straight through the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Heat index values — what the temperature actually feels like on your skin — could soar as high as 110 degrees in some areas. The elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those without air conditioning face the greatest risk.
Officials urge residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, locate their nearest cooling center, and limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours once the heat arrives Wednesday.
New Jersey is facing one of its most dangerous holiday weekends in recent memory. Stay indoors when possible, stay off flooded roads tonight, and prepare now — before the heat hits.
Stay with Sultana Insider for continuing updates as conditions develop.
