High Winds, NJ Flood Warnings In Latest Storm: See Timeline

NEW JERSEY — Another storm is on track to cross paths with New Jersey on Friday, which could bring heavy rainfall, coastal flooding and strong winds up to 45 mph, forecasters said.

About 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across the state, which 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 Thursday. "Widespread minor and some moderate tidal flooding" is expected, the agency said.

Periods of heavy rain between 1 to 2 inches are expected in southern and central parts of New Jersey on Friday, with locally higher amounts of 2 to 4 inches possible in the northern half of the state, the service said.

Most of the heavy rain is predicted to take place Friday afternoon into the evening. A coastal flood advisory was issued in the following counties on Thursday (a coastal flood watch remains in effect through late Friday night, according to the National Weather Service):

• Gloucester
• Monmouth
• Middlesex
• Cumberland
• Cape May
• Atlantic
• Ocean
• Camden
• Burlington
• Salem

The high risk area for moderate flooding is along New Jersey’s southern coast, the Delaware Bay and tidal Delaware River. Minor flooding is also possible along the coast from Middlesex to Atlantic counties. Tidal flooding is also possible with Thursday high tides and it may continue into Saturday, according to the weather service.

A flood warning was also issued Thursday morning for the following rivers:

• Passaic River Above Singac affecting Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties
• Passaic River At Pine Brook affecting Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties
• Passaic River At Little Falls affecting Essex and Passaic counties

Flooding is also possible in Hudson, Essex and Union counties on Thursday, the agency said, with up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline. A coastal flood watch has also been issued in Mercer County from Friday evening through Friday night.

"A coastal flood watch means that conditions favorable for flooding are expected to develop," the National Weather Service said.

"Be prepared to begin taking appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials. Be sure to check the latest forecast from time to time in case a warning is issued or any new information becomes available."

A wind advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday in Cumberland, Atlantic and Cape May counties.

Winds as strong as 30 mph on Friday could increase to 45 mph by the evening. The strongest wind and gusts will build through the afternoon with speeds diminishing late on Friday night.

Forecasters predict the strongest wind and gusts will develop near the coast of southeast New Jersey in Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties late Friday afternoon.

The strength of the winds could cause minor damage to trees and wires, while gale-force winds are expected at sea.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. East wind around 10 mph.

Friday: Showers likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Breezy, with an east wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday Night: Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 56. Breezy, with an east wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.