Tropical Storm Ida Heads Toward North Jersey: What To Know

NORTH JERSEY — Fortunately for New Jersey, Hurricane Ida has weakened to a tropical storm. But forecasters still expect the area will feel the effects this week, including 6 inches of rain in parts of the state and potential flooding.

The storm — now labelled Tropical Storm Ida — reduced to maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, with higher gusts, as of 2 p.m. Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center. Officials expect a tropical depression later Monday afternoon.

Forecasters expect the remnant low of Ida expected to pass through the state from Wednesday to Thursday morning. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning through Thursday night, with widespread predictions of 3 to 5 inches of rain in 16 counties:

• Salem
• Cumberland
• Cape May
• Atlantic
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Burlington
• Ocean
• Monmouth
• Mercer
• Middlesex
• Somerset
• Hunterdon
• Warren
• Sussex
• Morris

But some of North Jersey may see even greater rainfall, potentially exceeding 6 inches in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset and Warren Counties.

The National Weather Service has now also issued a flash flood watch for the storm in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic Counties. Forecasters expect 3 to 5 inches of rain in the area, with flash flooding possible — especially by rivers and streams.

Here's the rainfall map for the rest of New Jersey as of Monday afternoon:

What Else to Know

• Significant river flooding is likely for some main stem rivers, creeks and streams starting Wednesday afternoon. The flooding may last through the weekend.
• Severe thunderstorms are possible but mainly over southeast New Jersey. Even non-severe thunderstorms could result in downed trees though, and local power outages are possible.

How to Prepare

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration encourages people in Atlantic states to download the FEMA mobile app. Find tips for hurricane preparedness at ready.gov.

Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30. There is a 60 percent chance of an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the NOAA.