Severe Thunderstorm Risk Increased, Flood Watch Issued In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Residents should prepare for hazardous weather on Tuesday night. A Flood Watch has been issued for Somerset County and a severe thunderstorm risk has increased in the area on Tuesday.

"The severe thunderstorm risk has increased across much of the forecast area for this afternoon into tonight. Greatest threat is locally damaging downburst wind gusts, resulting in some downed trees and power lines. Small hail is possible!" said US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly(NWS).

A Flood Watch has also been issued for Somerset County from Tuesday at 2 p.m. through Wednesday at 12 p.m.

"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. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible," according to the NWS.

The NWS is forecasting rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour resulting in flooding.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 89. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 68. East wind around 5 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 75. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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