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March 22, 2024
Statewide Flood Alerts Issued as Nor'Easter Approaches New Jersey
A nor'easter that could bring several inches of rain to the state, along with the possibility of flooding, strong winds reaching 45 mph, felled trees, and power outages, has put all 21 of New Jersey's counties under a flood watch.
The
National Weather Service reports that the flood watch was issued at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and will remain in force until Sunday.
The weekend storm, which is the product of two merging storm systems, is predicted by the meteorological service to start after midnight on Friday and travel northward as the temperature drops into the low 30s. There's even a chance of snowfall in North Jersey before the weather turns rainy.
At the Jersey Shore, up to four inches of rain are predicted, while the rest of the state, with the possible exception of the northwest region, which may receive less than two inches, might see two to three and a half inches of rain. Higher amounts may be possible locally, according to the weather service.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch statement, warning that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." "Streams and creeks could break their banks. Urban areas and weak drainage systems are susceptible to flooding. Bridges above low water may flood.
With peak rainfall rates of a quarter to a half inch per hour, the heaviest rainfall is predicted for Saturday afternoon, challenging daily and monthly rainfall records, according to forecasters. By Saturday night, the rain is expected to gradually shift from the southwest to the northeast.
According to
AccuWeather meteorologists, the two major storms, which are now developing close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Canada border, respectively, are expected to cause substantial beach erosion from the Carolinas to New Jersey and coastal flooding during high tide.
The mix of low clouds, rain and stiff breezes may result in airline delays, AccuWeather noted.
The immediate post-storm forecast is expected to be clear, with Sunday daytime temperatures slated to be in the sunny 40s. Garden State residents should enjoy the dry weather before another system could impact the region in the middle of next week, forecasters said.
