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NJ Braces for Flash Floods, Wildfire Smoke
18 Jul
Summary
- Seventeen New Jersey counties face a flood watch.
- Up to 3 inches of rain may fall in an hour.
- Wildfire smoke causes unhealthy air quality.

Seventeen counties across New Jersey are under a flood watch from Saturday morning through early Sunday morning. Forecasters predict significant rainfall, with up to 2 to 3 inches potentially falling within a short period, leading to localized flooding. This severe weather event includes the possibility of strong thunderstorms with hail, lightning, and damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes.
The state is also contending with poor air quality stemming from wildfire smoke drifting from Canada. Air quality was classified as 'unhealthy' for everyone on Friday. While rain on Saturday may offer some relief, unhealthy conditions are projected for specific groups, including the elderly and children. Air quality is expected to improve by Sunday.