NJ Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Possible 60-MPH Winds

Looks like it won't get any easier – or safer – for commuters, vacationers and anybody else looking for relief from the rough weather New Jersey has had lately. A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect in parts of New Jersey on Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued several alerts, saying all of New Jersey is susceptible to strong thunderstorms beginning Friday afternoon, accompanied by possible 45 to 60-mph winds. The storms were already passing over Mercer and Middlesex counties in Central Jersey, and Camden and Burlington counties in South Jersey, around 1:30 p.m.

The severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 2:15 p.m. over Central Jersey. The storm was packing 60-mph wind gusts. Damage to roofs, siding, trees and power lines was possible. Here are the alerted areas:

Here is what also is happening:

• Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to pass throughout the state and last into the early evening, possibly producing very heavy downpours that could lead to flooding in spots.
• Additional showers and storms are likely overnight bringing a further risk of flooding, according to the NWS.
• Heavy showers and thunderstorms will likely continue into Saturday morning before moving out by the afternoon, bringing a continuing potential for flooding, according to the NWS.
• The NWS says frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, so seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.

Flooding will continue to be a major concern, according to AccuWeather. Expect low-lying and poor drainage flooding to occur first during periods of heavy rainfall. "With more heavy rainfall ahead, additional flash flooding along streams and creeks will be likely through the end of the week," AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliot said in a release.

Since much of the I-95 corridor and the immediate Atlantic coast is highly urbanized, the risk of flash flooding will increase, according to AccuWeather. Motorists may face areas of flooded underpasses and ponding on stretches of highways and city streets.

The period from Sunday to Tuesday will be much less stormy, but it may feel like a steam bath, according to AccuWeather. Communities impacted by road closures and property damage due to the heavy rainfall will be able to begin cleanup efforts this coming weekend.

Here is the forecast:

• Friday afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Light southwest wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the morning.

Tom Davis photo