Camden, New Jersey – Drivers across southern and central New Jersey could face rapidly intensifying thunderstorms Monday afternoon as conditions favor tornado development through the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 68 remains in effect until 7 p.m. Monday for 16 counties across New Jersey. The watch includes Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties.
The alert spans major population centers including Trenton, Camden, Atlantic City, Toms River, New Brunswick and Freehold, along with communities along the Garden State Parkway, I-95, I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Storms moving across the region could produce damaging wind gusts, torrential rain and isolated tornadoes.
Shore communities in Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean counties may also see strong thunderstorms pushing inland from coastal areas, potentially disrupting travel along Route 9 and coastal evacuation routes.
Emergency officials urge residents to monitor weather alerts closely throughout the afternoon. Tornado watches signal favorable conditions, while tornado warnings mean rotation has been detected and shelter should be taken immediately in an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
Storm activity may continue through the early evening, and additional warnings or advisories could be issued as the system moves across New Jersey before sunset.
