70 MPH Gusts, Hail, Frequent Lightning Possible In Burlington County Storm

Update, 1:04 p.m. Friday: Officials issued a tornado warning for northeastern Burlington County in effect through 1:30 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service warned of quarter-sied hail, plus flying debris that will endanger those without shelter.

Mobile homes will be destroyed, while damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur, officials said. Tree damage is also likely.

The warning also extends to northwest Ocean County. Impacted communities include Presidential Lakes Estates, Lakehurst, Wrightstown, Cassville, Presidential Lakes, Woodruff, Cedar Glen Lakes, Whiting, Pine Ridge At Crestwood, Browns Mills, Holiday City-Berkeley, Country Lake Estates, Crestwood Village, Fort Dix, McGuire AFB and New Egypt.

Additionally, transportation officials reported a downed tree on Route 38 W in Moorestown at Nixon Drive. Two right lanes are closed as of 1:20 p.m. Expect 5-10 minute delays.

Update, 1 p.m. Friday: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in central Burlington County, in effect through 1:30 p.m. Friday. Weather officials warned of 60 mph gusts in the northern and central portions of the county, along with nickel-sized hail up north and quarter-sized hail in the central region.

Minor damage to vehicles is possible, along with damage to roofs, siding, trees and power lines. The region's severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect through 6 p.m. Friday.

Update, 12 p.m. Friday: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in northwestern Burlington County, in effect through 12:45 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service warned of 60 mph gusts and quarter-sized hail.

Minor damage to vehicles is possible, along with wind damage to roofs, siding, trees and power lines. The region's severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect through 6 p.m. Friday.

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Weather officials placed Burlington County under a severe thunderstorm watch on Friday.

The watch, issued at 11:05 a.m., remains in effect through 6 p.m. Friday. Potential threats include frequent lightning, scattered gusts of up 70 mph and scattered hail the size of ping-pong balls, according to the National Weather Service.

The federal agency's Philadelphia/Mount Holly office issued the severe thunderstorm watch for Central and South Jersey, along with parts of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Here's the National Weather Service's Burlington County forecast as of 11 a.m. Friday:

• Rest of the day Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 4 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Temperature falling to around 70 by 5 p.m. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Patchy fog after 9 p.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.