New Jersey residents are being urged to stay alert as forecasters warn of a potentially dangerous weather event unfolding across the state. For the second consecutive day, a severe thunderstorm watch has been declared, raising concerns about destructive winds, flash flooding, and large hail across a wide stretch of the Garden State.
The watch took effect in the afternoon and remains active into the evening hours, covering a large portion of northern and central New Jersey, as well as the greater New York City metropolitan area. Counties under the alert include Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.
Meteorologists say powerful thunderstorms are expected to develop during the late afternoon and could persist well into the night as a cold front moves through the region. Wind gusts during these storms could reach as high as 70 miles per hour in some areas, strong enough to snap tree limbs, knock down power lines, and cause localized power outages.
While not every community will be affected, officials caution that storms could form quickly and intensify without much warning. Some cells may bring torrential rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Frequent lightning strikes and large hail are also possible in the strongest storms.
Adding to the concern is the oppressive heat and humidity gripping the state for a second straight day. Heat advisories remain active across much of New Jersey, with actual temperatures climbing into the low-to-mid 90s and the heat index pushing values into the upper 90s and even past the 100-degree mark in some spots. This combination of extreme heat and atmospheric instability is expected to fuel stronger storm development later in the day.
The good news: while the incoming cold front won’t bring an immediate drop in temperatures, it is expected to usher in noticeably drier and more comfortable air by the following day, offering some relief after days of stifling conditions.
Residents are advised to stay weather-aware, secure loose outdoor items, and avoid travel during the height of the storms if possible.
