NJ WEATHER ALERT: Flood Watch for 15 Counties as Severe Storms Threaten

A Flood Watch is now in effect for 15 New Jersey counties as forecasters warn of heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, flash flooding, and a low—but real—tornado risk Thursday afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service says storms may develop rapidly, especially along and northwest of I‑95, where atmospheric instability is strongest.

Although not everyone will see severe weather, any storm that forms could become dangerous quickly.

🌩️ Key Threats Today

1. Flash Flooding

• Flood Watch covers Bergen, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, plus NW Burlington and W. Monmouth counties.
• Rainfall totals: 1–2 inches common, 3–5 inches possible in the strongest storms.

2. Severe Thunderstorms

• Damaging wind gusts 60–75 mph possible.
• Frequent lightning and hail in stronger cells.

3. Tornado Risk (Low but Not Zero)

• 2%–4% chance of a brief tornado, mainly in northern NJ.
• Lower than last Thursday’s outbreak, but still notable for the Garden State.

4. Timing

• Midday: Storms begin forming.
• Afternoon–Evening: Peak severe window.
• Late Night: Flooding concerns increase as heavy rain persists.

⚠️ Safety Guidance

• Seek shelter immediately if storms approach.
• Charge devices in case of outages.
• Avoid low‑lying roads — Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Monitor official alerts from NWS Mount Holly: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/NWSMountHolly
• Track radar & warnings: 👉 https://www.weather.gov/phi/

🌀 Recent Tornado Activity in NJ

New Jersey has already recorded five confirmed tornadoes this year, including one in Atlantic County last Thursday. Four more touched down during the July 21 outbreak (EF0–EF1).

📅 7‑Day New Jersey Weather Forecast

(Built from current severe weather setup + typical post‑frontal pattern)

Severe Weather Alert – New Jersey

• NWS Weather