Severe thunderstorms producing heavy rain, damaging winds expected in NJ; tracking Elsa – News 12 New Jersey
WEATHER ALERT: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Bergen, Essex; Hudson, Passaic, and Union through 6:30 p.m.; Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties through at least 6:45 p.m.
New Jersey residents should be prepared for severe thunderstorms that have the potential to impact the state through this evening.
News 12 New Jersey Meteorologist Dave Curren says that these storms may contain damaging winds, large hail and torrential downpours. Flooding will be a concern.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire state until around 10 p.m.
Curren says that the storms will be the most active for the evening hours, around dinner time. These storms will remain until around 9 p.m. Curren says that once the sun sets, the storms will lose some of their energy but that heavy rain and the potential for flooding will remain.
The rain is expected to move past New Jersey after 10:30 p.m., followed by quieter overnight hours. Overnight temperatures will cool into the mid-60s.
Wednesday will start off partly cloudy, with some afternoon rain showers or thunderstorms. These storms may produce strong wind gusts. High temperatures will reach the low-90s, but the humidity will make conditions feel as if they are warmer. New Jersey residents are urged to stay out of the heat as much as possible and stay hydrated if they must be outdoors.
Thursday will also see scattered thunderstorms in the morning and widespread storms by the afternoon. High temperatures will be in the mid-70s. Thunderstorms will continue into the evening, followed by overcast skies at night. Low temperatures will be in the upper-60s.
Friday will start off with a mix of sun and clouds, followed by some scattered thunderstorms. High temperatures will be in the upper-70s. Overnight lows will be around 61 degrees.
ELSA UPDATE: Tropical Storm Elsa will continue to move north and scrap the west coast of Florida. As it continues to interact with the Florida landscape and make landfall, it will weaken. The storm is expected to climb up the East Coast and be off the New Jersey shoreline by Thursday night into Friday morning. The storm will be moving away from the coast, but close enough where conditions at the beaches will be very sketchy. High risk of rip currents, rough waves, clouds and rain should keep most people from making it a beach day. The leftovers of Elsa will also be interacting with another system moving in from the Ohio Valley. The fronts rain combined with the left over tropical moisture could make for a soaking situation Thursday into Friday. Time will tell.
