Tornadoes, Flash Flooding, Hail In NJ’s Stormy Thursday Forecast

New Jersey is under a risk for severe thunderstorms and a flood watch Thursday, as a line of storms capable of damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes moves through the state, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center placed most of New Jersey under a level 2 "slight risk" for severe weather, with far northern parts of the state under a level 1 "marginal risk." Storms are expected to develop by early afternoon and continue into the evening, mainly south of Interstate 78.

"Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms possible," the Weather Service said of the slight risk designation.

The primary threats are damaging winds, hail and a few tornadoes between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., forecasters said.

A flood watch is in effect for most of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware from noon Thursday until 2 a.m. Friday. The Weather Service said flash flooding of urban areas, poor drainage areas, creeks and streams is possible, with rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour possible in the heaviest downpours.

"Flooding could result in road closures and travel disruptions during the evening commute," the Weather Service said.

Forecast rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected across the region, with isolated higher amounts of 3 to 5 inches possible. The Weather Service has medium confidence in the flash flooding forecast.

The National Weather Service urged residents to monitor forecasts and ensure they can receive watches and warnings.

Thursday's high is expected to reach near 83 degrees, with an 80% chance of precipitation. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue into Thursday night before tapering off before 11 p.m., with a low around 63 degrees.

Friday will bring a break from the wet weather, with patchy fog before 8 a.m. giving way to partly sunny skies and a high near 79 degrees. Rain chances return Friday night into the weekend, with showers and possible thunderstorms expected Saturday, when the high is forecast to reach 79 degrees.

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