NJ Weather: How Tropical Storm Chris Will Impact New Jersey

Tropical Storm Chris will have some impact on New Jersey after it becomes a hurricane on Monday, with the storm currently churning about 200 miles of the coast of North Carolina.

But the storm will be too far off-shore and will not directly impact New Jersey when it passes by midweek, although showers and thunderstorms are expected.

The National Weather Service said Chris is likely to pass well southeast of New Jersey on Wednesday and Thursday. The only impact Chris is expected to have up here is a high surf and dangerously powerful rip currents midweek.

"Long-period swells from Tropical System Chris will cause an enhanced risk for the development of dangerous rip currents through, at least, the middle of the week," according to the National Weather Service.

Indeed, the Coast Guard has warned mariners and beachgoers of hazardous weather that could take place as Tropical Storm Chris makes its way up the East Coast.

Wind, waves and visibility can quickly become problematic for boaters, while the increased sea states leading up to and after a tropical storm can create powerful rip currents. Swimmers are urged to only swim at beaches with active duty lifeguards and to follow local advisories at their beach for beach closures and rip currents.

Indeed, New Jersey has had its share of issues with drownings and other water-related tragedies since May. Rip currents also plagued the Jersey Shore over the weekend. Read more: 16 NJ Water Deaths Since May As Tragic Trend Continues

Recreational and commercial mariners are advised to put safety first and operate within their vessel’s parameters and not to go out in heavy weather, the Coast Guard says.

“Rip currents are serious risk in the mid-Atlantic. If you head to the beach, pay attention to the local beach advisories and check the weather forecast before you go,” said Matt Brooks, command duty officer at the 5th District command center. “There have been numerous deaths this year due to rip currents. Swim at a beach with a lifeguard and do not swim after hours.”

Here are some other points made by the Coast Guard:

• Rip currents are a significant threat along the mid-Atlantic coast, primarily along the southern Outer Banks in North Carolina, in Maryland waterways and off the New Jersey shore.
• The most important safety precaution people should take regarding rip currents is to swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty. Lifeguards are highly trained and are the first line of defense when beachgoers are swept away by rip currents. Don’t take the risk of swimming at an unguarded beach.
• The presence of rip currents along our coasts is another reason people should wear life jackets at all times. People who fall overboard boats or overturn paddlecraft could potentially be affected by rip currents, and wearing a life jacket could help save their lives.

Here is the forecast:

• Monday afternoon: Sunny, with a high near 86. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
• Monday night: Clear, with a low around 62. South wind around 7 mph.
• Tuesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Sunny, with a high near 91. West wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Tuesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tom Davis photo