NJ Weather: Thunderstorms, Hail, Flooding Possible Saturday

NEW JERSEY - Weekend storms are set to cool off the Garden State after an unseasonably hot week, forecasters said, with thunderstorms, localized flooding, hail and strong winds all possible in some areas of the state.

As of 2:30 p.m., the National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Sussex counties through 5:15 p.m., though scattered showers are expected to continue around the state through 8 p.m. in North Jersey and into the wee hours of Sunday morning in South Jersey.

Two inches of rain has already fallen throughout parts Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset counties, the service said.

“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected,” forecasters said in a statement, adding that residents should expect “minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas” including New Jersey Turnpike between exits 8A and 10 and Interstate 287 in New Jersey between mile markers 1 and 15.

A special weather statement has also been issued for 13 counties, with forecasters warning of localized flooding, hail and strong winds this afternoon.

The affected counties under the special weather statement are:

• Sussex
• Warren
• Morris
• Hunterdon
• Somerset
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Mercer
• Salem
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Burlington
• Cumberland

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued previously in Sussex County until 2:15 p.m.; another warning in Warren County expired at 2:30 p.m.

Showers and thunderstorms are moving across the area this afternoon with some hail and gusty winds. Please pass along any reports of hail or wind damage this afternoon!
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 15, 2023

Some showers and storms are popping up across the area. Some hail up to 1" and gusty winds are possible. In addition, storms will be moving slowly, and if they move over the same area repeatedly, some flooding is possible as well. Here's how one model times out the afternoon. pic.twitter.com/RBa3ahPGTF
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) April 15, 2023

Here’s the latest forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

North Jersey

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Patchy fog after 8 p.m. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers before 2 p.m. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind 3 to 6 mph.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Patchy fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

South Jersey:

Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 72. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Patchy fog after 9 p.m. Low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers before 11 a.m. Patchy fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.