Flash Flood Warning As NJ Braces For Severe Storms
NEW JERSEY — A slow moving thunderstorm has prompted a flash flood warning in Central Jersey and a flash flood watch in South Jersey on Thursday, and any rainfall that drops on the region looks to build on already saturated conditions from Wednesday night.
The flash flood warning is in effect for Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Hunterdon counties
"Up to two and a half inches of rain have already fallen. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," the National Weather Service said in its warning. "While areas of flooding remain possible throughout the warned area, the greatest threat of flooding is near the northeastern portion of the warning in Middlesex and Somerset Counties, as well as the southwestern portion of the warning in Bucks County."
Flooding remained on roads throughout Princeton Thursday morning. Areas that may experience flooding on Thursday included New Brunswick, Somerville, Somerset, Edison, East Brunswick, SouthBrunswick, North Brunswick, Ewing, Middlesex, Princeton, Bound Brook, Manville, Doylestown, Jamesburg, Cranbury, Pennington, New Hope, Hopewell, Rocky Hill, Millstone, Somerville, Carteret, Madison, Middlesex, Bound Brook, Chatham, Mendham, Peapack And Gladstone, Far Hills, Colonia, Martinsville, Millington, Basking Ridge, Woodbridge, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Bernardsville, Dunellen, Watchung and Iselin.
"Protecting yourself from immediate threats to life and safety shall take priority. Whenever possible, as long as it does not cause greater harm, all COVID-19 protective action guidance should be followed," the National Weather Service said. "Turn around...don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
The watch is in effect for Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Ocean, Cumberland, Atlantic and Cape May counties through Thursday evening. Storms were likely to begin after 2 p.m. and continue through Thursday night into Saturday.
"Locally heavy downpours are anticipated," the National Weather Service said in its announcement. "Rainfall amounts as high as 2 to 4 inches are possible in a short amount of time. The ground remains saturated and streams and creeks are running high. As a result, much of the area is more susceptible to flooding than usual. The heavy rain will result in flooding of roadways and areas of poor drainage, as well as small streams and creeks."
In Mount Laurel, Union Mill Road was closed for flooding overnight amid a storm that brought more than 20,000 power outages to the state. Many roads throughout South Jersey were flooded Wednesday night, including Route 42. Read more here: 20K Without Power As Severe Thunderstorm Warning Is Issued In NJ
A Flash Flood Watch means that there is the potential for flash flooding which can be life-threatening, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy rain is expected to occur over a short period of time. Rapidly rising flood waters may quickly inundate roadways and areas of poor drainage. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties.
This article originally appeared on the Cinnaminson Patch
