Brief Tornado 'Possible' By Morristown In Minutes: Officials

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A brief tornado could be possible over the next 10 or 15 minutes, according to the Morris County Office of Emergency Management. The main area of concern is just east of Morristown.

A developing downpour, without much thunder yet, has been exhibiting some rotation, according to the office. Officials issued the alert just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for 16 counties, including Morris, which lasts until 9 p.m. Thursday.

Here is the forecast for Morristown as of 5:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service:

• Thursday afternoon: Showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. High near 78. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1am. Some storms could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain. Low around 67. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.