NJ Weather Latest: High Winds, Thunderstorms Threaten Outages, Floods

NEW JERSEY - Ferocious winds, thunderstorms and rain are slated to hit the Garden State on Wednesday, with wind gusts up to 50 mph, power outages and localized flooding possible, forecasters said.

Light showers are set to begin Wednesday mornings alongside gusty southeasterly winds, especially at the coast, the National Weather Service said. However, the real threat is set to begin after noon, when a “narrow line” of heavy rain and thunderstorms could impact the state with wind gusts from 40 to 50 mph, the agency said.

Coastal areas are expected to see the highest winds, the weather service added.

As of Wednesday morning, there’s a wind advisory in effect for four counties from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. The affected counties are:

• Monmouth
• Atlantic
• Cape May
• Ocean

The National Weather Service issues a wind advisory when forecasters expect sustained winds of 31-39 mph for at least an hour and/or gusts of 46 to 57 mph for any duration. The agency also recommends those impacted by the advisories to secure any loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans and holiday decorations.

“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the agency said. “Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.”

A hazardous weather outlook is also in effect for Cumberland, Sussex, Middlesex and Salem counties, the National Weather Service said.

Forecasters expect around 0.25 inches to an inch of rain, but locally higher amounts remain possible. Flooding risk remains relatively low because of recent rainfall deficits and the speed at which the system will move through the region, per the National Weather Service, but localized flooding could still occur.

Any lingering scattered showers should subside by 7 p.m., the service added.

Here’s the latest forecast, per the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. High near 60. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Scattered showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 42. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 49. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

– With reporting by Josh Bakan.