A powerful storm is set to impact New Jersey with heavy rain and damaging winds on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), residents can expect between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, along with wind gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph.
Weather Forecast Overview
On Tuesday, the weather will start off clear, but clouds will gradually gather throughout the day. Northeast winds will increase in strength, with gusts expected to hit 15 to 20 mph inland and 20 to 30 mph near the coast. Afternoon temperatures will range from the mid-50s to low 60s, with potential light showers along the coast.
Storm System Details
On Wednesday, a complex storm system will approach, resulting in more unsettled weather conditions. NWS forecasters describe a broad area of low pressure stretching from the Tennessee Valley to the Carolina coast. This system is anticipated to consolidate into a single low-pressure formation by Thursday.
Rainfall and Wind Impacts
- Showers will likely begin overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, particularly along the coast.
- Inland areas will face a 25% to 40% chance of rain.
- Northeast winds will strengthen, reaching 25-35 mph along the coast.
- By Thursday, the heaviest rainfall will occur over a 6- to 12-hour window.
The NWS highlights a low to marginal risk for excessive rainfall across the state, which may lead to flooding in urban areas and places with poor drainage systems.
Coastal Flooding Risks
Alongside heavy rain, strong winds are expected with 30 to 40 mph gusts on Thursday, possibly rising to 50 mph by Halloween. This combination raises concerns about minor to moderate coastal flooding during high tide, especially on Thursday night.
Post-Storm Conditions
The storm will begin to move away on Friday. However, gusty winds are expected to linger, with westerly gusts potentially reaching 40 mph. Temperatures will remain in the mid- to upper 50s.
Weather conditions are subject to change, and forecasters note that uncertainties regarding the storm’s exact path could influence both rainfall amounts and the risk of severe weather.
