Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Ocean County on Monday afternoon, with a threat of severe storms until about 10 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

The threat includes the potential for isolated wind gusts up to 75 mph and hail the size of ping-pong balls, the weather service said. The watch began at 2:55 p.m.

Frequent lightning is possible, as is some localized flash flooding from heavy rain in the storm.

The severe thunderstorm watch applies to 13 New Jersey counties — primarily in the southern and central regions. Five counties in Noth Jersey are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Monday.

The forecast has resulted in some Ocean County towns postponing or canceling their Fourth of July celebrations that were set to take place Monday. If you planned to attend an event, check for updates from local officials or event organizers. Read more: Some NJ Fireworks Canceled, Postponed With Severe Storms Forecast

Here is the forecast for Ocean County for the rest of Monday and for Tuesday, July 4th, from the National Weather Service:

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2 a.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.