State Of Emergency Declared As Nor'Easter Targets NJ

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency Monday night ahead of the nor'easter expected to move through New Jersey, bringing with it damaging winds, small hail, lightning and heavy rain that could cause flooding.

"In preparation for the nor'easter, I'm declaring a State of Emergency beginning at 8:00 PM tonight," Murphy tweeted. "Severe weather conditions will impact the state starting tonight through the next several days."

In preparation for the Nor’easter, I’m declaring a State of Emergency beginning at 8:00 PM tonight.

Severe weather conditions will impact the state starting tonight through the next several days.

For updates, follow @ReadyNJ, @NWS_MountHolly, and @NWSNewYorkNY. pic.twitter.com/eJlMgt253f
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 25, 2021

About four to six inches of rain is expected across the state, which could cause flash flooding in creeks, streams, urban areas and areas with poor drainage. Most of the heavy rain is predicted to take place Monday night into Tuesday afternoon.

Isolated thunderstorms are also predicted, but should be limited in duration, coverage and/or intensity, according to the National Weather Service. Winds up to 40 to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch are also possible. Damaging winds strong enough to pull down trees and power lines may be involved and some minor tree damage is possible.

A flash flood watch has been issued for all counties except Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem from 8 p.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Here are the counties named in the watch:

• Atlantic
• Ocean
• Burlington
• Middlesex
• Cape May
• Monmouth
• Sussex
• Warren
• Somerset
• Mercer
• Passaic
• Bergen
• Hudson
• Essex
• Union
• Morris
• Hunterdon

However, areas that are not included in the watch could still experience heavy rain and flash flooding, the National Weather Service said.

Minor coastal flooding is expected during Tuesday and Wednesday high tides along the coast and near the Delaware Bay, according to the weather agency.

If the storm shifts closer to the shore, more rain and stronger winds could move inland, but if the system moves further off the coast, the storm will have less impact.

"Uncertainty remains fairly high with this system as small shifts in the track could lead to significant differences in the impacts for our region," the Mount Holly National Weather Service station said.

Seas are expected to build to around 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service, with the worst conditions predicted Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Gale-force winds are expected at sea.

Higher-than-average temperatures are also predicted for the region, as Monday's forecast expects temperatures approaching the 80-degree mark in southern and central parts of the state. Toms River and Wilmington is predicted to see temperatures near 76 degrees, while Asbury Park and Atlantic City can expect temperatures around the 74-degree mark.

In advance of the upcoming storm, have a look at tomorrow's forecast high temperatures. Return to summer anyone? We wouldn't be surprised if a couple spots approach 80. Some records may be in jeopardy! 76 is the mark to beat at PHL... #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/fpa9TyRvEK
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) October 25, 2021

Here's the latest forecast this week:

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 10 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Low around 59. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 65. Breezy, with a northeast wind 15 to 20 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Tuesday Night: Showers, mainly before 2 a.m. Low around 52. Windy, with a north wind 25 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday: A chance of showers before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.