NJ Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Watch Expands (Video)

UPDATE: A severe thunderstorm warning is now in effect in eight counties, and a tornado is possible, while a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect throughout the rest of New Jersey as the bad weather is supposed to get worse on Friday.

The warning is in effect in Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Somerset, Camden, Burlington, Gloucester and Salem counties until 6:45 p.m., while the watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

Here is what is expected in areas of New Jersey where the storms will be at their worst:

• HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.
• SOURCE...Radar indicated.
• IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building, according to the National Weather Service.

These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage.

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms can be expected through Friday night. Torrential downpours with storms that develop this afternoon and evening could produce rainfall rates greater than 2 inches per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

While the entire area will not receive heavy rain, isolated rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are possible where storms track over the same locations, according to the National Weather Service.

Torrential rain falling in a short period of time will result in rapidly rising water levels along streams and creeks and in areas of poor drainage. Significant roadway flooding is possible in isolated areas.

The storms are expected to provide enough flooding, wind and thunderstorms to possibly cause some damage in New Jersey and make the highways and local roads dangerous.

Already, the storms of the day have had an impact. Here are more videos and photos:

Here is what is happening on the roads:

• Flooding: Flooding on US 40 westbound area of Atlantic City Expressway in Atlantic City. One lane may be closed - use caution.
• Downed tree: Downed tree on NJ 4 eastbound East of Jones Rd in Englewood. Right lane closed.
• Accident investigation: Accident investigation and operational activity on the Garden State Parkway in both directions exiting at Exit 142 - I-78 in Hillside Twp. Ramps closed to traffic to I-78 westbound.
• Utility Pole Down: Utility Pole Down on US 40 in both directions East of CR 608/Franklin Av in Egg Harbor Twp. All lanes closed 5-10 minute delay - use caution.
• Traffic Signal Down: Traffic Signal Down on NJ 79 northbound at Wilson Av in Matawan. Right shoulder closed - use caution.
• Accident investigation: Accident investigation on I-78 local lanes westbound ramp from Exit 52 - Garden State Parkway in Union Twp. Ramp closed and detoured - 5 minute delay.

A flash flood watch also is in effect for most of the state until midnight. Already, some was flooding was reported in Hackensack, on the Atlantic City Expressway and other areas nearby.

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 courtesy of News4 NY

Photo by Hackensack Fire Department