Trenton, N.J. – Much of New Jersey is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Saturday, with fast-moving storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes 20 counties from Sussex to Cape May, covering both urban and coastal regions. Strong storms are expected to develop and track across the state through the afternoon and early evening, potentially packing wind gusts up to 60 mph and small hail. Flash flooding is also possible in low-lying and urban areas with poor drainage.
Counties under the watch include Middlesex, Hudson, Bergen, Monmouth, Camden, Ocean, Gloucester, and Essex. Residents in these areas should remain alert to fast-changing conditions, especially during the evening commute. NJDOT may issue speed restrictions or temporarily suspend operations in high-impact zones.
Stay indoors during severe storms, avoid driving through flooded roadways, and secure loose outdoor objects. Power outages may occur where winds are strongest, especially in heavily wooded areas of northwest New Jersey.
Additional warnings could follow as cells intensify. The severe threat is expected to taper by 8 p.m., but isolated showers may linger overnight.
