NJ Braces for Severe Storms: Winds, Flooding Ahead

Severe thunderstorms are anticipated across much of New Jersey on Sunday evening, with the National Weather Service issuing a slight risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather. The storm threat is forecast to occur between 5 p.m. and midnight as a cold front moves eastward through the state. Damaging wind gusts, potentially exceeding 45 mph, are the main hazard, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, especially in southwestern New Jersey.

Localized flash flooding is also a possibility, particularly near the I-95 corridor, although the fast-moving nature of the storms is expected to mitigate this risk. High temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 80s to low 90s ahead of the storms. A coastal flood advisory is in effect from Sunday evening into early Monday morning for areas along the Jersey Shore and Delaware Bay, with minor tidal flooding expected during the evening high tide.

A high rip-current risk is posted for all ocean beaches on Sunday. The cold front is expected to clear the state by approximately 2 a.m. on Monday, diminishing the severe weather threat by midnight. Monday will bring clearing skies, dry conditions, and cooler temperatures in the 70s, with winds up to 20 mph.

Looking ahead, Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be mostly dry with clear conditions and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s. By Thursday, a strong storm system approaching from the west could bring another round of showers and thunderstorms to the state during the afternoon and evening, with potential for lingering showers into Friday.