Coastal Flood Watch Issued In Union County Ahead Of Friday Storm

CRANFORD, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood watch in eastern Union County beginning Friday morning.

Heavy rainfall is predicted for Thursday night into Friday, which could result in numerous road closures and cause widespread flooding of low lying property, the NWS reports. There is also the possibility of damaging winds with the passage of a cold front on Friday, bringing the potential of downed trees and power lines.

Here is the forecast in Cranford from Thursday to Friday, according to the NWS:

Thursday Night

Rain. Temperature rising to around 54 by 3 a.m. Breezy, with an east wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday

Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., then a chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Temperature rising to near 54 by 9 a.m., then falling to around 25 during the remainder of the day. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 24 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

If travel is required, the NWS advises residents to allow for extra time, as some roads may be closed. The NWS also says not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth and to take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.

You can check out the full forecast here.