'Life-Threatening' Flash Flooding Possible In South Jersey Shore Area

NEW JERSEY — A flash flood warning was issued in parts of southern Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May counties Friday afternoon as severe storms drench the region.

The warning is valid until 5:45 p.m. in southeastern Atlantic, south-central Ocean and all of Cape May counties, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 1:36 p.m., up to 1 inch of rain had fallen, the National Weather Service said. The rainfall rate is expected to be 2 to 4 inches in one hour, and additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 1.5 inches are possible in this area, forecasters said.

Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. This could be life-threatening, forecasters warned.

"Turn around...don't drown when encountering flooded roads," the National Weather Service said. "Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

Drivers are urged to stay off the roads unless necessary.

Areas that could experience flash flooding include Atlantic City, Ocean City, Cape May, Pleasantville, Somers Point, Ventnor City, Brigantine, Northfield, Absecon, Margate City, North Wildwood and Tuckerton, according to the National Weather Service.