Flood Watch Issued For Middlesex Co., As Scattered Thunderstorms Return

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Middlesex County beginning Wednesday afternoon.

The flood watch remains in effect from 3 p.m. through late Wednesday night. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible, the NWS said.

According to forecasters, another round of heavy showers and thunderstorms is expected late this afternoon through this evening. Storms will be capable of dropping a quick 1 to 2 inches of rainfall within a 1- to 3-hour period, leading to flash flooding.

Storms are not likely to be too severe, but isolated damaging wind gusts are a threat.

"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," the NWS said.

Here's the forecast for the next few days:

• Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Wednesday night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
• Friday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
• Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.