Debby In Moorestown: Tornadoes, Floods, Heavy Rain Possible

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Tropical Storm Debby could bring tornadoes and severe thunderstorms to the region as Moorestown braces for the storm, according to weather officials.

The potential for heavy rain and flash flooding will continue through Friday, the National Weather Service's (NWS) regional office said Thursday morning in a storm briefing. Localized flash flooding is possible throughout the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday, but Debby's most-significant local impacts will likely fall on Friday.

Tornadoes represent Debby's greatest potential local threat. There's a marginal (1 in 5) risk of severe storms with tornadoes developing in the region throughout Friday, according to the NWS's Philadelphia/Mount Holly Office, which covers most of New Jersey.

Debby made a second landfall Thursday in South Carolina. It is a tropical storm as of Thursday morning, sustaining 50 mph winds.

The storm's magnitude in the region will depend on Debby's track. But the storm is expected to move inland, reducing New Jersey's chances of tornadoes, the NWS said. The areas north and west of Interstate 95 have a greater risk of severe impacts, according to weather officials.

The NWS expects 1 to 1.5 inches of rain in the Moorestown area through Friday night.

River flooding could develop Friday and linger into Saturday, officials said.

A half-foot of rain fell in parts of Burlington County on Tuesday night and Wednesday, stranding people in vehicles and prompting home evacuations. No injuries were reported. Moorestown received 2.09 inches of rain, according to the NWS.

With additional storms expected, Burlington County officials encouraged residents to prepare disaster kits with essential items such as medications, important documents, clothing and necessary supplies. Be prepared to evacuate on short notice if conditions worsen, officials said.

The public should also pay close attention to weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Residents can sign up for the county's emergency-notification system.

County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson thanked first responders for their work during the storms earlier this week.

"While we’re relieved no injuries were reported, our emergency management team is concerned about the potential for more severe storms and floods this week," Hopson said. "Residents are encouraged to be mindful of the weather and use extreme caution if driving during storms. We also recommend taking action now to prepare for the possibility of more flooding. Create an emergency supply kit and disaster plan for your family."

Here's the NWS's latest Moorestown forecast:

• Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Thursday night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 82. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 a.m, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Low around 73. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Saturday: A chance of showers before 8 a.m. Sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.