Heavy Rain, Flooding Concerns As Tropical Storm Moves Toward NJ

NEW JERSEY — Though Tropical Storm Fred has weakened over Georgia as of Tuesday morning, the remnants of the storm are still expected to bring heavy rain, excessive heat and thunderstorms with dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning to New Jersey later his week. A tornado and flash flooding is even possible.

National Weather Service officials said scattered storms could move across the state as early as Tuesday, but the heaviest and most widespread rain is expected late Wednesday as Fred moves closer to the northeastern region of the U.S.

Up to five inches of rain are expected in some parts of the Garden State by Friday night, according to the National Weather Service. A Flash Flood Watch could be issued for these areas if predicted rainfall amounts increase.

The National Weather Service has already issued a hazardous weather outlook for Hunterdon, Morris, Warren, Sussex, and Somerset counties as of Tuesday morning, noting that "several instances of flooding are possible," mainly in areas with poor drainage and vulnerable creeks and streams. The warning extends through Monday of next week.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Fred remain on track to affect the region this week with locally heavy rainfall. The heaviest rain is expected late Wednesday and Wednesday night. Showers/storms are possible today but will be more scattered in nature. #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/VixP8Vls90
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 17, 2021

The National Weather Service issues a Hazardous Weather Outlook when there is a potential for severe weather events.

On Wednesday, remnants of Tropical Storm Fred are predicted to continue to impact New Jersey, bringing with it scattered showers, possible thunderstorms, wind gusts around 60 mph and temperatures in the low-80s.

Steady rain is expected to end by Thursday morning but chances of showers will continue into the weekend. Though forecasters expect those days to be the warmest with temperatures in the upper-80s.

Fred became a tropical depression overnight as its winds dropped from 65 mph to 40 mph late Monday. All tropical storm and surge warnings in Florida were dropped as of late Monday, but the area is still expected to see up to 8 inches of rain in Florida’s Big Bend and Panhandle regions.

In addition to Fred, Tropical Depression Grace is moving toward the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike Fred, Grace is not expected to have an effect on New Jersey skies.

Here's the latest forecast:

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 72. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog after 2 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.