Severe thunderstorms possible Thursday; flash flood watch for NJ

A cold front will stall over the region Thursday afternoon and interact with tropical moisture from Hurricane Arthur, delivering periods of heavy rain and possibly severe thunderstorms, forecasters say. 

“Rising dew points and humidity values will continue — and temperatures in the 80s and 90s are expected again by early afternoon,” said John Homenuk, lead forecaster at New York Metro Weather. “And, again, an approaching mid-level disturbance is expected to aid in the development of strong to severe thunderstorms by afternoon.”

In a Hazardous Weather Outlook, the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, N.J. forecasts one to three inches of rain through Friday morning.

Flash flooding is possible throughout New Jersey, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated, the outlook advises. Flooding along streams and creeks as well as roadways and in areas of poor drainage is also a threat. 

“Storms will progress from southwest to northeast, initially forming in Pennsylvania and making their way through New Jersey. As was the case on Wednesday, dangerous lightning, flash flooding, strong winds and small hail are all possible in strong to severe thunderstorms that do develop,” said Homenuk. 

Meanwhile, well to the south of New Jersey, Hurricane Arthur formed Thursday morning and is expected to skirt the Outer Banks of North Carolina, remaining well offshore as it heads to the northeast. 

While conditions in New Jersey will begin to improve Friday afternoon, “models are very close to keeping rain around during the fireworks display,” Homenuk said.

Enhanced winds and high surf will also be an issue Friday, according to the National Weather Service. 

But by Saturday, it’s dry air and sunny skies, continuing on Sunday. Temperatures at the beaches will be in the middle to upper 70s each day. 

Image by Victor Bubadias Photography.