Some NJ Fireworks Canceled, Postponed With Severe Storms Forecast

NEW JERSEY — The threat of severe weather Monday caused several New Jersey communities to postpone or cancel their Independence Day celebrations, as forecasters say approaching thunderstorms can bring lightning, flooding, and damaging winds.

The chance of strong storms has caused communities including Rahway, South Brunswick, Lacey, Lakehurst, Lakewood, and Wall to shift their fireworks plans for Independence Day. And, organizers around the state will be watching Tuesday's forecast as they prepare for parades, festivals, and fireworks on July 4.

The National Weather Service said severe thunderstorms with wind gusts of 60-70 miles per hour, “large hail,” and localized flash flooding are possible in New Jersey on Monday from approximately 3 to 10 p.m. An isolated tornado could also form, added AccuWeather.

The National Weather Service has not issued any severe thunderstorm warnings in the state as of 4 p.m. Monday; however, there are severe thunderstorm watches in 18 counties (all but Essex, Union, and Hudson) until Monday evening.

The watch in Morris, Sussex, Warren, Bergen, and Passaic counties expires at 8 p.m. For all other affected counties, it ends at 10 p.m.

The entire state has a possibility of severe weather, with an enhanced chance of numerous severe storms in parts of Salem, Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic counties according to the NWS and the NOAA Storm Prediction Center. The rest of the state is expected to see scattered severe storms which will be short-lived or not as widespread, with "isolated intense storms possible."

"Not all areas will see thunderstorms, however the atmosphere will become more favorable for some severe thunderstorms by later this afternoon," said the NWS Monday in urging people to be weather aware as they plan for Independence Day activities.

"Note that there are increasing chances for thunderstorms on Tuesday as well," the NWS office in Mount Holly added.

Lightning is the greatest threat for people outdoors in a thunderstorm, AccuWeather notes:

"With large numbers of people spending time outdoors due to the Independence Day holiday, forecasters urge people to move indoors at the first rumble of thunder. Tents, golf carts and picnic pavilions do not offer adequate protection from lightning."

The July 4 forecast could also spell trouble for planned local celebrations, as the NWS said the day "is beginning to look a bit more active" for possible severe storms.

Here is a look at the forecast through Tuesday around New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

North Jersey

Monday: Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall. Highs in the upper 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent. Heat index values in the upper 90s.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall in the evening. Humid with lows around 70. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Independence Day: Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. West winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then mostly clear after midnight. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Central Jersey

Monday: Partly sunny. A slight chance of showers late this morning, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds this afternoon. Hot with highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the evening. Locally heavy rainfall possible in the evening. Humid with lows around 70. Southwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Independence Day: Partly sunny. Numerous showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the afternoon. Locally heavy rainfall possible in the afternoon. Hot with highs in the upper 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy. Numerous showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the evening. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. Northwest winds around 5 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

South Jersey

Monday: Partly sunny. A chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds this afternoon. Hot with highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, then a chance of showers after midnight. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the evening. Locally heavy rainfall possible in the evening. Humid with lows in the lower 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

Independence Day: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday night: Partly cloudy. Scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening. Some thunderstorms may produce gusty winds in the evening. Humid with lows in the upper 60s. West winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.