Flood Watch, Hazardous Weather Outlook Set for Essex County

Winter Storm Damon has arrived in Essex County. More than 3 inches of rain are expected to fall in Essex today, causing the National Weather Service to designate a flood watch and hazardous weather outlook for this area.

As the rain pours down on Essex County, a flood watch will remain in effect until late tonight, according to NJ.com via the National Weather Service. Heavy Northeasterly winds could cause gusts up to 30 miles per hour. A wind advisory will remain in effect until 4 p.m.

The storm will slowly churn up the coast, dumping rain and wet snow that will be ”heavy enough to bring down the trees and power lines,” said Ari Sarsalari, a meteorologist on The Weather Channel.

Congestion on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike was not abnormally problematic, however, one crash has been reported at Exit 143 that closed the left lane.

NJ Transit was offering full system wide cross-honoring for the entire service day Tuesday, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode - rail, bus or light rail.

Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport are not suffering delays at this time, however, problems are beginning to emerge at LaGuardia and Philadelphia International, where average delays are upwards of two hours, the FAA told NJ.com.

In addition, Essex County could see up to 1 inch of snow on Wednesday, according Weather Underground.

Check back on Patch.com for updates on this Nor’easter.