Flash Flood Watch Issued For Somerset County As Storm Approaches

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A flash flood watch has been issued for Somerset County through Friday by the National Weather Service.

The Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties through Friday at 5 a.m.

From Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night, Somerset County residents should expect showers and thunderstorms to develop ahead of and with the passage of a cold front on Thursday night.

Rain is expected to be heavy at times with widespread rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches with locally higher amounts possible.

Much of the rainfall could occur in a short period of time, leading to at least the threat of localized flooding, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are possible, with the main threat occurring from Thursday afternoon into the early overnight hours, officials said. Read More: Flash Floods, 3 Inches Of Rain Possible In North Jersey This Week

The most likely sources of flooding are creeks, streams, urban areas and poor drainage areas, according to the National Weather Agency. Localized flash flooding is also possible. The flooding would most likely occur Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.

Here's the forecast for Somerset County as of 4 p.m. Wednesday:

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Showers likely, mainly between 8 and 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 79. Southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: Showers, mainly before 2 p.m. High near 72. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

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