Pre-Halloween Storm Lashes NJ: See Latest Impacts, Timing

Wind gusts have gotten up to 51 mph already in parts of New Jersey as a pre-Halloween storm brings closes roads and soaks the state, according to officials.

Downed trees and wires have been reported statewide, closing roads in Morris County, Somerset County, Ocean County and more, officials have said. A jackknifed tractor trailer is blocking lanes in Burlington County.

Power outages are being reported in Cherry Hill. Pockets of outages are also reported throughout JCP&L's coverage area, according to the company's outage map.

Flooding has been reported on several North Jersey highways, according to 511NJ. Additional coastal flooding is expected this evening along the Jersey Shore and Delaware River.

Winds at the shore have reached 40 to 50 mph, peaking at 51 mph at the Lakehurst naval base, according to the National Weather Service. With the strong wind, forecasters aren't ruling out an isolated tornado.

This storm is expected to continue strengthening into the afternoon before it begins to weaken, National Weather Service forecasters said.

"Rain will continue through midday, then gradually clear out from the southwest by the early afternoon to the northeast over the mid to late evening," the National Weather Service said Thursday morning. "Some elevated instability will add a convective component to the rain, which will result in brief periods of heavy rain and some rumbles of thunder across much of the area."

A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast, with 3 inches possible locally.

There will be a lull in active weather Thursday night. But strong winds will pick up again on Friday, also in the 40 mph to 50 mph range.

"Impacts from tree damage and power outages could be exacerbated by the wet ground from the previous day's 1-2" of rain and foliage remaining on many trees (especially near and south of the Philly metro)," the National Weather Service said. However, things will remain dry for Halloween.