'Potent' Storm System Targets NJ: See Timeline, Forecast

NEW JERSEY — Several rounds of storms — some of them potent and "borderline severe" — are possible mid-week in New Jersey, forecasters say.

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast for the region Wednesday, likely after 3 p.m. Storms could continue into the night, the National Weather Service said. The agency predicts an 80 percent chance of precipitation Wednesday night.

The more severe storms are likely on Thursday, according to AccuWeather. Some of those storms could be "borderline severe with hail and strong wind gusts," AccuWeather said.

The Weather Channel predicts the highest likelihood for thunderstorms in New Jersey Thursday will be between noon and 8 p.m. There is a 90 percent chance of precipitation with rainfall amounts of up to a half inch, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

"Motorists should be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions where dry roads can become torrents of water in minutes," AccuWeather warned.

A coastal flood advisory has been issued in some parts of the region, including in Mercer, Gloucester, Camden and northwestern Burlington counties.

"If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property," the National Weather Service said in issuing its coastal flood advisory.

Now for the good news: things are expected to clear up Friday and for the weekend. Sunny skies are predicted Friday, with sunshine continuing through Saturday. On Sunday, there is a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers.

Here is the local forecast:

Today: A slight chance of showers between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8pm. Patchy fog after midnight. Low around 69. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 86. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 63. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Sunday: A chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.