Our community is facing a significant weather threat Saturday as severe storms move through the region, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Tornado Watch for most of New Jersey through 9 p.m.
Sixteen counties across the state are currently under the tornado watch: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren.
The weather service warns that multiple rounds of heavy downpours and potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to continue into Saturday evening. The primary threats include damaging winds and flash flooding, with a 5% probability of an isolated tornado developing. Northeastern New Jersey faces the highest tornado risk.
As of Saturday afternoon, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect for parts of Ocean, Mercer, Burlington, Monmouth and Middlesex counties until 4 p.m.
Flash Flood Warnings have been issued for multiple areas due to the intense rainfall. Parts of Mercer, Monmouth, Middlesex and Hunterdon counties are under a Flash Flood Warning until 6:45 p.m., while portions of Somerset County face a similar warning until 6 p.m.
Adding to the challenging conditions, the entire Tri-State Area remains under an Air Quality Alert until midnight Sunday due to smoke and haze from Canadian wildfires. Residents with respiratory conditions should limit outdoor activities when possible.
Dangerous rip currents are also possible along the coast as the storm system moves through.
Residents across affected counties should monitor local weather conditions closely, have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, and be prepared to take shelter immediately if warnings are issued for their specific area.
