Tornado watch covers most of NJ all afternoon. Here's what you need to know

MOUNT HOLLY - More than half the state is under a tornado watch until 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

The watch comes before a scorching weekend forecast, with heat indexes projected to top triple figures and the possibility of record-setting high temperatures.

The tornado watch covered sections of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. In New Jersey 13 counties — Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren — were under the watch.

Earlier in the day Friday the NWS had warned of "the potential for severe weather this afternoon and evening," particularly northwest of Interstate 95. "Damaging winds remain the primary threat but hail and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out," the NWS tweeted shortly after 11 a.m.

A tornado watch indicates that “tornado are possible in and near the watch area," according to an info sheet from the NWS. They are less critical than tornado warnings, which indicate that "a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar," and "there is imminent danger to life and property."

Under a tornado watch, the NWS advises residents to review emergency plans, check supplies and have a safe room ready, and to "Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching."

Once the potentially dangerous weather Friday passes, the Garden State still has an uncomfortable weekend in store.

The NWS has issued a heat advisory for much of the state from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures projected in the 90s inland and the 80s on the shore.

Alex N. Gecan covers local news and unsolved mysteries for the Asbury Park Press. You can reach him at 732-547-1365 or agecan@gannettnj.com, or follow him on Twitter @GeeksterTweets.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Tornado watch NJ: Most of state on high alert all afternoon