NJ Forecast: Flash Flooding, Tornadoes Possible Wednesday Night

NORTH JERSEY — Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to move through New Jersey on Wednesday night, with potential for flash flooding in areas that were hit hard by remnants of Hurricane Ida last week.

Severe storms with hail and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning are possible throughout the Garden State. Wednesday's anticipated storm could also produce damaging winds up to 60 mph and isolated tornadoes capable of bringing down trees and power lines, the National Weather Service said.

The greatest threat of strong winds and potential tornadoes is north of Interstate 195 and west of Interstate 95, according to the service.

"With grounds still saturated from Ida and rivers running high, rain brings the potential for flooding," Murphy said. "Please stay safe and never drive through flooded areas."

Damaging wind gusts are the main threat for a potential thunderstorm, according to officials. The storm could bring gusts greater than 60 mph, with isolated tornadoes possible, according to the National Weather Service. (Ida created seven known tornados in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.)

The most likely window for flash flooding will occur from 4 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The primary window of concern is 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Forecasters predict some areas, such as Newark (0.64 inches of rain) will get less than an inch of precipitation. The National Weather Service projects West Milford in Passaic County will receive 1.17 inches.

But because the grounds remain heavily saturated, it could only take 1 or 2 inches of rain to create additional inundation in flood-prone areas, according to the National Weather Service.

The total rainfall forecast through tomorrow is generally up to one inch, locally 1-2 inches, officials said Wednesday afternoon. While this would normally not cause too many concerns, with many of these areas receiving up to 600 percent of normal rainfall this past week, it won't take much, officials noted.

Here's the forecast for the Newark Liberty International Airport as of Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 10 to 14 mph.
• Wednesday night: Showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 68. South wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
• Thursday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
• Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. Northwest wind around 6 mph.