Severe Thunderstorms, Flooding Possible in South Jersey

A band of strong storms could pummel South Jersey Thursday with damaging wind, large hail, heavy rainfall, lightning and isolated tornadoes, the National Weather Service warns.

A warm front will move through the region on Thursday and a combination of conditions could create severe weather.

Depending on the ultimate track of the warm front, different parts of New Jersey could see heavy rain (3 inches or more is possible), a tornado threat or severe thunderstorms. Lightning also presents a very significant hazard in South Jersey.

“This is a complex storm, and a complex forecast due to the amount of rain we've recently experienced,” said Col. Rick Fuentes, State Police superintendent and director of the state Office of Emergency Management.

Fuentes said the state is monitoring the situation "with our partners from the National Weather Service and the County Offices of Emergency Management."

"As of right now, this low pressure will track somewhere very close to South Jersey, either directly over, or perhaps just north (central Jersey) or south (Delmarva)," NBC40 meteorologist Dan Skeldon said in a Wednesday evening update. "Exactly where we find ourselves will go a long way in determining if severe thunderstorms, a tornado threat, or heavy rain will be the primary concern. 

The threat of a dreaded derecho passed, however, NBC meteorologists said. A derecho happens when separate thunderstorms unexpectedly join to create one system. Wind and damage from derechoes rival that of hurricanes. 

A 30 percent chance of showers continues on Friday, but the sun is expected to return for the weekend.

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated at 8 a.m. Thursday and will remain open as long as conditions dictate.

The NJOEM offers ways to maintain situational awareness about severe weather events. The NJOEM has a website for an extensive list of resources for obtaining information about emergencies. New Jersey residents should also stay connected with their county OEMs via social media and county emergency alerting systems. 

"Be especially careful if you are on the road," Fuentes said. "We also remind drivers not to drive through ponded or standing water, on roads impacted by heavy rain. Those who live in river communities should be aware of the potential for flooding, and follow instructions if given by local emergency officials.”

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