Weather
Flood Watch Issued In 16 NJ Counties: Latest Timeline For Rain
Heavy rain moving in is anticipated to cause extra runoff and increase flooding risks for much of the state. See where and when.
NEW JERSEY — A flood watch has been issued for 16 counties in New Jersey ahead of heavy rain anticipated for later Wednesday into Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch that takes effect at 7 p.m. Wednesday and runs through Thursday evening, when rain is supposed to pick up across the state.
The flood watch covers Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.
Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rainfall totals of 1.5 to 2 inches are forecast across the area, with the heaviest rain expected during the evening and overnight, the weather service said. Some areas could see as much as 3 inches.
"Soils remain saturated due to recent rainfall events and rivers' stream flows remain elevated, especially in the Passaic basin," the weather service said.
Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Residents, especially those in flood-prone areas, should monitor the weather for possible flood warnings and take precautions.
Temperatures will remain mild, in the low 50s, dropping into the upper 40s overnight.
While the skies will be gray for the next few days, the National Weather Service is predicting sunshine and clear skies to ring in the New Year.
Here's the timeline for rain across New Jersey Wednesday into Thursday and beyond, from the National Weather Service:
WEDNESDAY: Rain mainly after noon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Rain. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Low around 48.
THURSDAY: Rain likely before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers after 7 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 54. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
THURSDAY NIGHT: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.
FRIDAY: A 50 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
FRIDAY NIGHT: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.
SATURDAY: A chance of showers before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Partly cloudy overnight.
SUNDAY, NEW YEAR'S EVE: Mostly sunny during the day with a high near 47. Cloudy overnight with a low near 30.
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