Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued As Extreme Weather Moves Into NJ

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in parts of New Jersey Thursday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

The warning encompasses Warren and Sussex County and includes the communities of Newton, Hopatcong, Franklin, Hamburg, Ogdensburg, Sussex, Branchville, Andover, Flatbrookville, Lake Mohawk, Werry Lake, Millbrook, Five Points, Pellettown, Crandon Lakes, Echo Lake, Highland Lake, Marshalls Creek, and Hidden Lake. It is set to expire at 4:15 p.m.

There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 10 p.m. in the Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

Forecasters warn of scattered hail up to 2 inches, wind gusts of up to 70 mph and frequent lightning strikes with these storms.

"Today's thunderstorm potential is much different than Tuesday's, as storms will be much more localized in nature. The hit-or-miss type of storms," the National Weather Service said Thursday morning. "Greater chances will be north and east of Philadelphia. Some folks will experience a storm, but a majority likely will not. Either way, remain alert for a pop-up storm if you're outdoors later today!"

Timing will be the afternoon and evening. Some storms could be severe, with strong wind gusts or hail.

Storms will quickly weaken as the sun goes down, forecasters said.

Everywhere else in the state will see highs near 90 degrees and sunny weather.

By the 4th of July, New Jersey will be dry and have seasonable temperatures. In fact, Friday will be the nicest day of the week, with temperatures in the mid-80s and dew points in the 50s.

"A great day for any outdoor holiday festivities!" National Weather Service forecasters said.

Here's the latest forecast.

North Jersey

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 63. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 83. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. Calm wind.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.

Central Jersey

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 89. Light northwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 85. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Calm wind.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

South Jersey

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Independence Day: Sunny, with a high near 87. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Calm wind.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.