Trenton, NJ – New Jersey residents are being urged to stay alert and off the roads today after Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a statewide State of Emergency in response to severe thunderstorms and potential flash flooding.
According to the New Jersey State Police and the Office of the Lt. Governor, the State of Emergency went into effect at 2 p.m. Thursday, following forecasts of excessive rainfall and damaging wind gusts. The National Weather Service has warned that rainfall totals could reach 1 to 2 inches in most areas, with some localized spots possibly seeing as much as 5 to 7 inches, raising the risk of flash flooding across all 21 counties.
Officials say these storms are expected to produce intense downpours, resulting in rapid rises in creeks, streams, and rivers, particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas. According to state emergency management, the hardest-hit counties could include Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, Monmouth, Sussex, and Warren, as well as adjacent areas of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and northeast Maryland.
A very warm and humid airmass, combined with an approaching cold front, is fueling widespread showers and thunderstorms this afternoon into tonight. Rainfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour, potentially overwhelming storm drains and increasing the risk of flooding in urban areas.
Authorities are urging residents to follow safety protocols and monitor local forecasts for updates. “I urge all New Jerseyans to remain alert, follow all safety protocols, and monitor the proper channels for the duration of these storms,” Acting Governor Way stated. Residents should only travel if absolutely necessary and are encouraged to visit ready.nj.gov or the National Weather Service for the latest warnings and watches.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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