Severe Thunderstorm Warnings—With Tornado Possibility—Issued In NJ

Rainfall totals of up to 4 inches, 60 mph wind gusts and flash flooding are all possible Tuesday as yet another round of summer storms is poised to slam the Garden State, according to the latest forecast.

At 5:36 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Warren and Hunterdon counties.

"Remain alert for a possible tornado," the NWS said. "Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading killers, officials said.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect through 9 p.m. in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties.

Storms are expected to hit between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, who also have issued a Flood Watch during that time period for Hunterdon, Somerset, western Monmouth, Mercer, Salem, Gloucester and northwestern Burlington counties.

A Flash Flood Warning is issued in southeastern Monmouth County until 9 p.m. and in northeastern Ocean County until 10:15 p.m. Flash flooding has already been reported as of Tuesday evening in Lakewood and Jackson.

Flash flooding is a big risk with Tuesday's storms. Forecasters say that it could be more numerous than what we typically see and some "significant" flash flooding may occur.

"High res model guidance suggests the potential for heavier storms to produce a quick 1 to 3 inches of rainfall within just 1 to 2 hours and it's possible some localized storms totals could reach around 4 inches," National Weather Service forecasters said.

AccuWeather forecasters warn that storms may also bring hail.

"Flooding downpours, hail and damaging wind gusts will be the primary threats in any severe thunderstorm that erupts," said AccuWeather meteorologist Peyton Simmers. "These thunderstorms can slow down the evening commute along parts of the I-95 corridor including in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C."

It will also be another hot, sultry day, though not hot enough for an advisory. Heat index values in some parts of the state, particularly near Philly, will reach near 100 degrees.

The threat for severe weather should fade by 9 or 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service, though the threat of flash flooding will linger.

"Heavy showers and storms will be likely still be ongoing into Tuesday evening and should have the tendency to eventually congeal into a line or large complex that will then push southward towards the coast by the later evening into the early overnight," National Weather Service forecasters said.

However, storms may linger overnight in South Jersey, though they should be weaker in intensity.

Other than some isolated showers and maybe a storm in North Jersey on Thursday, the rest of the week looks to be quiet, dry and quite pleasant as we head into the holiday.

Here's the latest forecast.

North Jersey

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 3 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday: A chance of showers, mainly before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Central Jersey

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10 p.m. and midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 84.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

South Jersey

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 2 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High near 80. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 86.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.