Tropical Depression Fred To Bring Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain To NJ

NEW JERSEY — Remnants of former Tropical Storm Fred are expected to sweep across the Garden State late Wednesday into Thursday morning, bringing with it heavy rain and thunderstorms that may begin as soon as 2 p.m. A tornado is even possible in some areas.

The National Weather Service expects 1 to 2 inches of rain will fall throughout the state, with heavier amounts in some areas. Flash Flood Watches may be issued if forecasters see an increase in widespread excessive rainfall amounts.

Fred became a tropical depression late Monday night as its winds dropped from 65 mph to 40 mph. On Wednesday morning, remnants of the storm were moving east through the Appalachian Mountains.

Good morning! The remnants of what was once Tropical Storm Fred will affect the region over the next 24 hours with the risks of locally heavy rain and an isolated tornado. See the graphic for more. Most impacts will be late this afternoon through tonight. #NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/YDB5YDaFis
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 18, 2021

The National Weather Service has already issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for 13 counties in northern New Jersey and along the coast as of Wednesday morning, noting that "several instances of flooding are possible," mainly in areas with poor drainage and vulnerable creeks and streams.

The National Weather Service issues a Hazardous Weather Outlook when there is a potential for severe weather events.

The warning in these counties extends through Tuesday of next week:

• Hunterdon
• Morris
• Passaic
• Sussex
• Salem
• Middlesex
• Union
• Essex
• Bergen
• Hudson
• Monmouth
• Ocean
• Cape May

On Wednesday night, remnants of former Tropical Storm Fred will be spreading over the state in an eastern direction, bringing with it heavy rain, possible thunderstorms and temperatures in the mid-70s.

There is also a risk for an isolated tornado late Wednesday through Thursday morning along the western half of the state.

Heavy rain is expected to end by Thursday morning but there will be slight chances of showers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 3 a.m., then a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog after 3 a.m.. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.