Severe Thunderstorm Risk Increased, Flood Watch Issued In Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Residents should prepare for hazardous weather on Tuesday night. A Flood Watch has been issued for Union County and a severe thunderstorm risk has increased in the area on Tuesday.

"The severe thunderstorm risk has increased across much of the forecast area for this afternoon into tonight. Greatest threat is locally damaging downburst wind gusts, resulting in some downed trees and power lines. Small hail is possible!" said US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly(NWS).

A Flood Watch has also been issued for Union County from Tuesday at 2 p.m. through Wednesday at 12 p.m.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur
in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible," according to the NWS.

The NWS is forecasting rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour resulting in flooding.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 2 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 98. West wind around 6 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 67. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 72. Northeast wind around 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.

Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind around 7 mph.

Thursday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. East wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.