Severe Storm, Flash Flood Warnings Issued In Parts Of NJ, State Of Emergency Blankets Entire State

A State of Emergency has been declared for New Jersey ahead of strong storms that are expected to cause flash flooding with up to 7 inches of rain possible. This will go into effect 2 p.m. Thursday.

“Beginning this afternoon, we are expecting severe thunderstorms to bring heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts with the potential for flash flooding across the state,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms. Residents should remain off the roads and indoors unless absolutely necessary.”

State offices will have an early closing Thursday.

Flash Flood Warnings have been issued in southeastern Morris County and northern Somerset County until 6 p.m.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m. for southeastern Morris, northeastern Somerset and north-central Middlesex counties. Residents are urged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building and to remain alert for potential tornadoes.

A Tornado Warning was issued in east-central Somerset County and northeastern Middlesex County until 2:15 p.m.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 8 p.m. in most of New Jersey. Only Bergen, Sussex and Passaic counties are excluded.

The Flood Watch for the entire state goes into effect at 2 p.m. and lasts until 6 a.m. Friday.

Much of New Jersey is at a "moderate risk" (level 3 out of 4) for flash flooding, meaning that numerous flash floods are likely, according to the National Weather Service.

Flash floods could be "considerable, and potentially significant" according to the National Weather Service.

Storms are capable of rainfall rates of more than 2 inches per hour. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are generally expected, but localized amounts of 5 to 7 inches are possible, National Weather Service forecasters said.

"Have a reliable way to receive any warnings that are issued, and do not drive through flooded roads," the National Weather Service said.

Some storms could be severe, but flash flooding is the greatest threat.

Scattered showers and some rumbles of thunder will continue overnight.

The good news is that this will usher in a cooler, breezier period. Over the weekend and into early next week, conditions will be dry with low humidity. Highs will reach the low-to-mid-80s.

"About as perfect and pleasant as mid summer weather gets!" National Weather Service forecasters said.

Here's the latest forecast.

North Jersey

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m., then showers likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 62. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday: Showers likely, mainly before 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Central Jersey

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 88. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 63. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

South Jersey

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 66. North wind around 5 mph becoming east in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. North wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.