A flood watch has been issued for 14 New Jersey counties as severe thunderstorms are forecast to slam the state Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and flash flooding risks from the Jersey Shore inland. The National Weather Service expanded the alert Monday, covering areas including Monmouth and Ocean counties, from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night.
The flood watch targets 14 counties: Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Salem, and Somerset. Saturated ground from recent storms increases the risk of rapid flash flooding, meteorologists warn.
Severe thunderstorm threats include wind gusts strong enough to down trees and power lines, hail, and isolated tornadoes, particularly in coastal areas. The flood watch is paired with a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties. Forecasters predict multiple storm rounds.
Jersey Shore faces the highest risk. Heavy rainfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour could flood low-lying areas, roads, and basements quickly. Local officials urge residents to avoid driving through flooded streets. Charge emergency devices ahead of storms.
Timeline: Storms expected to begin Tuesday morning, intensifying by midday, continuing into evening. The flood watch remains active until late Tuesday night. A second round may arrive Wednesday.
How to stay safe: Monitor NOAA weather radio, local news, mobile alerts. Secure outdoor furniture. Have a go-bag ready. Know your evacuation zone. Never drive or walk through floodwaters. Six inches of moving water can knock you down. A foot can sweep a car away.
Longer-term outlook remains unsettled. Additional storm chances midweek. The wet summer trend is expected to continue.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Which New Jersey counties are under the flood watch?
- A: The flood watch covers 14 counties: Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Salem, and Somerset.
- Q: When is the flood watch in effect?
- A: The flood watch is active from Tuesday morning through late Tuesday night, with storms expected to intensify by midday and continue into the evening.
- Q: What are the main threats from these severe thunderstorms?
- A: Threats include heavy rain (1-2 inches per hour), damaging winds, hail, isolated tornadoes, and rapid flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas and the Jersey Shore.
- Q: How can residents stay safe during the flood watch?
- A: Residents should monitor NOAA weather radio and local alerts, avoid driving through flooded streets, secure outdoor furniture, charge emergency devices, and have a go-bag ready.
Extended Reading
Sources: NJ.com , Asbury Park Press , Patch .