Severe Storms Could Bring 70 MPH Winds, Hail To NJ Tuesday

NEW JERSEY — A tornado warning has been issued for parts of New Jersey Tuesday afternoon as severe storms threaten the state, the National Weather Service said.

At 4:31 p.m., "a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Hope, or 15 miles southwest of Newton, moving north at 30 mph," according to the National Weather Service.

The warning is valid until 5:15 p.m. in west central Sussex County and north central Warren County. Quarter-sized hail is also possible. Residents in the area should get to shelter immediately.

"Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building," the National Weather Service said. "Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."

A severe thunderstorm watch is also in effect in several New Jersey counties Tuesday as 70 mph winds, hail and more threaten the state, according to the latest forecast.

The watch was issued until 9 p.m. in Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties.

These storms could bring strong, damaging winds, scattered hail up to the size of a ping-pong ball and frequent lightning, according to the National Weather Service.

Storms are expected to hit any time in the afternoon until 10 p.m.

While the strongest risk for severe weather is in the counties listed in the watch, thunderstorms are expected all across the state Tuesday, National Weather Service forecasters said.

More showers and a few thunderstorms are also possible this evening and overnight, forecasters say.

Watches are a step below warnings. A severe thunderstorm watch means that severe storms are possible in the area. If severe storms are imminent, then a severe thunderstorm warning will be issued.

A stubborn, lingering storm system is to blame for New Jersey's rainy, stormy streak. More rain is expected through Friday, and things should dry up for the weekend, according to forecasters.