Halloween Weekend Storm In NJ: See Latest Timing, Impacts

NEW JERSEY — Halloween weekend will have a rainy start on Friday as the second storm to move through New Jersey this week is expected to bring strong wind gusts up to 60 mph with potential for coastal flooding, forecasters said.

A period of heavy rain is possible as early as this afternoon, spreading between 0.5 to 2 inches of rain across the state, with locally higher amounts of 2 to 3 inches possible, the service said.

Heavy rain could lead to flash flooding in creeks, streams and areas with poor drainage after this week's recent storm, the National Weather Service said on Friday.

“Widespread minor to major tidal flooding is expected with high tide cycles today,” the agency said.

The high risk area for major flooding is on the western border of Salem, Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties due to high tides on the Delaware River.

Moderate flooding is expected along the coast, from southern Monmouth County down to Cape May County, and minor flooding is possible in Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties.

A coastal flood warning has been issued in nine counties:

• Gloucester
• Cumberland
• Cape May
• Atlantic
• Camden
• Burlington
• Salem
• Ocean
• Mercer

Two to three feet of inundation above ground level is expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, according to the weather service.

“Some locations may become isolated by the flood waters,” the service said. “Be prepared for rising water levels and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials.”

A coastal flood advisory was also issued for Monmouth and Middlesex counties from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Forecasters are anticipating up to one foot of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

Another concern with this latest storm is the potential for power outages, especially in Cape May and Atlantic counties, where a high wind warning is in place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with peak gusts nearing 60 mph.

Winds as strong as 45 mph on Friday could increase to 60 mph by the evening. The strongest wind and gusts will build through the afternoon with speeds diminishing late on Friday night.

A wind advisory has been issued in six counties:

• Atlantic
• Cape May
• Salem
• Burlington
• Ocean
• Monmouth counties

Forecasters are expecting Saturday to be cloudy with light rain and a high near 64.

Skies are expected to clear on Halloween, as Sunday’s forecast is partly sunny with temperatures in the low 60s.

Here’s this weekend’s forecast:

Friday: Showers likely, mainly after 3 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Breezy, with an east wind 20 to 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday night: Showers, mainly before 2 a.m. Low around 57. Windy, with an east wind 20 to 30 mph decreasing to 10 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: Rain likely before 2 p.m., then showers likely after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47.