Flood Watches Issued Across New Jersey

Flood Watches Issued Across New Jersey

Flood watches have been issued for parts of New Jersey as another wave of heavy rain and thunderstorms is expected to move through the state, increasing the risk of flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

Forecasters warn that abundant moisture in the atmosphere, combined with a slow-moving weather system, could produce repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms capable of dropping several inches of rain in some locations. The heaviest rainfall may fall in a short period of time, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rapid flooding.

A Flood Watch will take effect at noon for Salem, Gloucester, Camden, and northwestern Burlington counties as conditions become favorable for excessive rainfall.

According to the National Weather Service, showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop during the afternoon and evening hours, bringing the potential for torrential downpours. Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, and repeated storms tracking over the same areas may lead to flash flooding across portions of southern New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware.

Forecasters expect the strongest thunderstorms to develop between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday, with the greatest threat for severe weather centered across South Jersey.