Trenton, N.J. – Strong thunderstorms could sweep across New Jersey Tuesday afternoon and evening, threatening 21 counties with damaging winds, hail, and frequent lightning until 9 p.m. Roads from Bergen to Cape May may see sudden flooding, downed branches, and power outages as storms intensify through rush hour.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for every major county in New Jersey until 9 p.m. Tuesday. The alert includes cities like Newark, Trenton, Atlantic City, and Cherry Hill, and covers Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.
Commuters should prepare for sudden road closures and delays along the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, and I-295. Outdoor events may be disrupted by intense lightning or wind gusts over 60 mph. Local agencies urge residents to secure loose objects, charge devices, and stay indoors as the storm line approaches. Areas with poor drainage are most at risk for flash flooding, especially in urban Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties.
Tuesday’s watch comes amid a pattern of unsettled July weather, with similar storms striking the region last week. Utility crews across New Jersey are on standby for outages.
The thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. Tuesday, with additional warnings possible if storms strengthen. Residents should monitor alerts and avoid travel during severe weather.
