Trenton, N.J. – A widespread Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 5 p.m. Friday across the Mid-Atlantic, including heavily populated areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. The region faces damaging winds, hail, and lightning strikes as a fast-moving storm system pushes east.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the watch covers more than 30 counties, with cities like Philadelphia, Wilmington, Trenton, and Annapolis at risk. The threat also includes the Delaware Bay and stretches of the Atlantic coastline, where marine advisories are in place due to sudden wind gusts and choppy surf.
New Jersey’s Monmouth, Camden, and Gloucester counties may see isolated storms capable of knocking out power or toppling unsecured items. In Pennsylvania, the watch extends from Carbon County down to Philadelphia, where storm cells could trigger flash flooding in low-lying areas. Delaware’s entire land area is included, with emphasis on coastal Sussex County. Maryland’s Eastern Shore, including Talbot and Caroline counties, may see strong storms through late afternoon.
Residents should stay indoors during thunderstorm activity, charge mobile devices, and avoid outdoor travel when possible. The Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in place until 5 p.m., and more warnings could follow as the system moves through.
