Flooding Closes Griggstown Causeway In Somerset County

FRANKLIN, NJ — Flooding is causing Griggstown Causeway to close on Friday morning, announced Somerset County Public Safety around 10 a.m.

The Millstone River at Griggstown is currently at 9.47 feet high and is entering the action stage of flooding at 9.5 feet, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

With rain expected to continue through Friday, the NWS is predicting the Millstone River to continue to rise. At the Blackmills Crossing, the river is currently 5.57 feet high and expected to rise to 7.3 feet above action stage at 7 feet.

Surrounding rivers such as North Branch Raritan River on the border of Bridgewater and Branchburg is currently at 7.53 feet high just below action stage at 8 feet.

Forecasters expect a Friday filled with heavy rain, floods, a cold front icing up the roads, and winds that could cause power outages. Read More: Floods, Wind Damage, Flash Freeze Plague NJ's Christmas Travel

Widespread winds will gust 40-50 mph throughout Friday, hitting 50-60 mph in some areas, the National Weather Service says. The strongest gusts increase the potential for wind damage and power outages.

The arctic front will enter New Jersey on Friday morning, clearing the coast by early afternoon, according to weather officials. Rain could change to snow before tapering off, the National Weather Service says.

In some cases, temperatures will plummet 30-50 degrees Friday, AccuWeather says.

Take a look at the upcoming forecast:

Friday: Rain before 1 p.m., then a chance of snow between 1 and 3 p.m. Temperature falling to around 18 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 25 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Wind chill values as low as -11. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 18. Wind chill values as low as -12. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 11. Wind chill values as low as -3. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

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