New Jersey faces a stormy weekend as severe weather moves east, bringing strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, and wind gusts up to 50 mph.
AccuWeather.com warns of potential flight delays at regional airports and power outages. The National Weather Service expects peak wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph, with some reaching 50 mph. Severe thunderstorms could produce torrential downpours, creating hazardous road conditions.
Rain will spread across the state Sunday afternoon and continue through the night. High temperatures will reach the upper 60s and low 70s. Flooding remains unlikely due to recent dry conditions, but urban areas could see roadway flooding. Rain will taper off from west to east late Sunday night.
South winds will intensify Sunday, reaching 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters of an inch and one inch are possible. Showers and thunderstorms will persist into early Monday before tapering off by the afternoon. Highs on Monday will be in the upper 50s.
Before the storm arrives, New Jersey will experience a stretch of mild weather. Sunshine is expected Friday afternoon as temperatures climb into the mid-50s to low 60s, though the Jersey Shore will stay cooler in the upper 40s. A slight chance of showers lingers overnight as temperatures drop into the upper 30s and low 40s.
Saturday will be mostly cloudy with highs in the low 60s. Morning drizzle and fog are possible, with a chance of an afternoon shower. Overnight lows will stay in the 50s, with slightly cooler conditions along the coast.
The storm comes as New Jerseyans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend, which could see disrupted parades and outdoor festivities. The state is expected to see mild and dry conditions next week as winter comes to an end and spring arrives Thursday.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.