Christmas Week Storm In Asbury Park: Here's The Forecast

ASBURY PARK — Severe weather is expected to hit Asbury Park on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, packing 25- to 70-mph winds that could cause power outages.

The National Weather Service has now issued a hazardous weather outlook, saying heavy rain and strong 70-mph winds could cause problems on local roads and highways and power outages.

The NWS says winds 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 70 mph. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines.

Power outages are expected. Travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, the NWS says.

The NWS says people should secure any outdoor holiday decorations before the strong winds arrive. People should also avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches.

Here's what you should also expect from the storm that's expected to impact the region between 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve and 12 noon on Christmas:

• A strong storm system will impact New Jersey late Thursday through Friday morning with several weather impacts expected.
• Expect heavy rain and warm temperatures leading to rapid snowmelt and areas of flooding, especially northwest of the suburban corridor
• Expect strong winds leading to power outages and tree damage
• Expect isolated showers and storms accompanied by gusts stronger than 60 mph leading to wind damage, especially south and east of I-95

Here are the wind estimates:

Here is the forecast:

• Thursday: Rain likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Thursday night: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 48. Windy, with a southeast wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 to 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Christmas Day: A chance of rain showers before 5 p.m, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. Little or no snow accumulation expected.