National Weather Service Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and Flood Alerts
The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings and flood alerts across several counties in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The severe thunderstorm warnings are effective in parts of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. Additional thunderstorm cells are expected to move through other areas of New Jersey that could potentially cause wind damage. Some of the thunderstorms are dumping heavy rain over parts of the state, triggering several flood advisories and flash flood warnings.
Flash Flood Warning Issued in Lehigh Valley Region
According to the National Weather Service, a strong thunderstorm was expected to impact portions of the Lehigh Valley region. Wind gusts of 60 mph and quarter-size hail were predicted, leading to a severe thunderstorm warning. A flash flood warning was also issued for certain areas due to possible flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, and streets. Traffic was restricted on Interstate 78 East and Lower Saucon Township police urged motorists to avoid Route 378 due to flooding. Additional severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in various areas with possible quarter-size hail or minor vehicle damage.
Thunderstorms Forecast for New Jersey
New Jersey has seen summer-like weather end as heavy cloud cover and showers are anticipated on Saturday. Thunderstorms may develop in the afternoon or evening, with some potentially having gusty winds or small hail. Some of them could also produce locally heavy rainfall that could cause minor flooding in specific areas. Small hail may be produced by some storms, particularly across the Lehigh Valley.
Temperatures will mostly be in the 70s throughout much of New Jersey on Saturday before dropping closer to the high 60s near the coast. Thursday and Friday experienced record-breaking temperatures with Newark Liberty International Airport soaring to 93 degrees. Sunday is predicted to start with fog patches, turning mostly cloudy in the afternoon, and thunderstorms are expected late Sunday night.
Safety Recommendations During Thunderstorms
The National Weather Service recommends residents keep an eye on sky conditions and monitor the latest weather forecast and storm alerts if a thunderstorm watch is issued in their area. If a thunderstorm warning does get issued, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building to guard against possible lightning, strong winds, falling trees or downed power lines.
Weather advisories are posted at weather.gov/phi by the National Weather Service, and AccuWeather also provides local hourly and five-day forecasts at lehighvalleylive.com/weather.
In conclusion, severe thunderstorms and flood warnings have been issued across New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Residents must take necessary precautions in staying safe from potential hazards caused by these storms.
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