Severe Thunderstorms, Strong Winds In NJ Forecast

NEW JERSEY — The streak of sunny weather in the Garden State could end Tuesday when severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts and hail are expected to move through the region.

A round of showers and thunderstorms could start as early as Tuesday morning in northern New Jersey, though the initial storms are not expected to be severe, the National Weather Service said.

Stronger storms are possible early afternoon as a cold front pushes south. South Jersey is at higher risk for severe weather with scattered severe thunderstorms possible in Ocean, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester and Camden counties, according to the weather service.

Forecasters said the period of concern is 1 to 3 p.m. in northwest counties with storms moving through the I-95 urban corridor from 4 to 6 p.m. Storms are expected to move off the coast by the mid to late evening.

Good Morning! Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected today in association with a cold front. Some storms have the potential of becoming severe during the afternoon and evening hours. #PAWX #NJWX #DEWX #MDWX pic.twitter.com/aO6nb4mksP
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) September 28, 2021

The main threat of the storm is damaging wind gusts, but the weather service warns that hail is also possible. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch are expected, though higher amounts could be possible during thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service said the storms should move through quickly enough to avoid flash flooding, though localized flooding is still possible in areas with poor drainage.

Sunny, pleasant weather is expected to return on Wednesday and Thursday with daytime temperatures in the upper 60s.

Though Hurricane Sam is expected to remain hundreds of miles off the coast, strong rip currents and rough surf may impact the Jersey Shore this week.

Here’s the latest forecast:

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. Southwest wind around 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.

Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before midnight. Some of the storms could produce small hail and gusty winds. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West wind 5 to 15 mph becoming north after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

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