Severe Storm, Flash Flooding Warnings Across N.J.

Bad weather is expected throughout New Jersey on Friday - enough flooding, wind and thunderstorms to possibly cause some damage and make the highways and local roads dangerous.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather alert for the entire state, and a flash flood warning is in effect for most of the state until 10:30 a.m. Already, some was flooding was reported in Hackensack and other areas nearby.

Some thunderstorms may become severe this afternoon and evening, producing damaging wind gusts. Additionally, heavy rain may result in localized flooding.

The storms will get a boost from daytime heating and moisture farther to the east on Friday afternoon, according to AccuWeather.

"Given the comfortable conditions as of late, anyone from the mid-Atlantic to New York state will clearly notice Friday’s surge of very humid air," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said in a release.

The most widespread problem will be due to localized torrential downpours that can bring near-zero visibility and urban flooding. Motorists may need to reduce their speed to avoid the risk of hydroplaning or possibly take another route due to flooded streets and highways, according to AccuWeather.

"Enough rain can fall in a short period of time to lead to small stream flooding as well," Pydynowski said.
As the storms approach the major hubs of Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., airline delays are likely to increase.

Here is the forecast:

Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before noon, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. South wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a slight chance of showers between 1am and 2am. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 7 to 9 mph.

Photo by Hackensack Fire Department