Flood Watch Issued For Princeton Area Through Midnight

PRINCETON, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Mercer County and surrounding areas, in effect through midnight tonight, as excessive rainfall raises the risk of flash flooding.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible. The heavy downpours could lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying or flood-prone locations, as well as poor drainage and urban areas, according to the weather service.

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"The expected rainfall rate is 2 to 3 inches in one hour. Additional amounts of 1 to 2 inches possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortely," the NWS said.

The watch covers a wide swath of New Jersey, including Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties, along with Atlantic, Cumberland, Ocean and Monmouth counties and parts of southeastern Pennsylvania.

The weather service is urging residents to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued. Drivers are warned not to attempt to cross flooded roadways or travel around barricades.

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