Excessive Rainfall Expected, Flood Watch Issued For Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A Flood Watch has been issued for Somerset County from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon as excessive rainfall is expected.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms combined with tropical moisture will result in areas of heavy rainfall across the area from Friday morning through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

Rainfall rates may exceed 1 to 2 inches per hour. The NWS is forecasting rainfall amounts from about 1 to 2 inches, however, localized amounts near 3 to 4 inches are possible.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded," according to the NWS.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 a.m. Patchy fog before 4 a.m., then patchy fog after 5 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light southwest in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. High near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog. Low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Patchy fog. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.