N.J. Severe Thunderstorm Watch Expanded To Statewide

A severe thunderstorm watch has now expanded to all 21 New Jersey counties. The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Monday. A severe thunderstorm warning is now in effect for parts of Warren and Sussex counties.

The National Weather Service identified key points of the storm:

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

The National Weather Service suggests that, if the weather gets too rough, "for your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."

"In addition to large hail and damaging winds...frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Remember...if you can hear thunder...you are close enough to be struck by lightning," according to the NWS.

"Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."

A hazardous weather outlook is also in effect for the entire state, and flash flood watch is also in effect.

The NWS says the thunderstorms are expected to arrive Monday afternoon and evening and will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts.

Read more: Severe Storms, Flooding Possible In NJ Monday: NWS

The flash flood watch continues for

• Southeastern Pennsylvania, northern, central and southwestern New Jersey, northern Delaware and extreme northeastern Maryland.
• From noon EDT today through this evening
• Showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and this evening will contain torrential downpours. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be common with localized totals of 3 to 5 inches possible.
• The bulk of these rainfall amounts could fall in a very short period. The heaviest rain will likely fall during the late afternoon and evening.
• Flash flooding of creeks, streams and roadways will be possible, especially in urban and poor drainage areas.

Patch file photo