Union County Parks Closed Ahead Of Incoming Major Storm

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Parks and facilities are closing early in Union County ahead of a major storm system headed to the area on Thursday.

"Due to the pending storm alerts and active flood watch, we are taking proactive safety precautions and closing the following facilities, events and parks," according to Union County.

• Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield – Closing at Noon
• Green Brook Park in Plainfield – Closing at Noon
• Ulrich Memorial Pool in Rahway River Park – Closing at 2:00 pm
• Wheeler Spray Park in Linden – Closing at 2:00 pm
• Inclusive Splash Nights – Cancelled

A State of Emergency has been declared for New Jersey ahead of strong storms that are expected to cause flash flooding with up to 7 inches of rain possible. This will go into effect 2 p.m. Tuesday. Read More: State Of Emergency Declared Due To Expected Flash Floods, Torrential Downpours In NJ

This is a sharp uptick from the initial two inch estimate.

“Beginning this afternoon, we are expecting severe thunderstorms to bring heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts with the potential for flash flooding across the state,” said Acting Governor Tahesha Way. “I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms. Residents should remain off the roads and indoors unless absolutely necessary.”

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast:

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 88. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 63. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. North wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

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