Flooding, 2 Inches Of Rain Possible For Chatham Into Tuesday

CHATHAM, NJ — A storm could bring flooding and 2 inches of rain into the Chatham area Monday evening into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The agency issued a flood watch for Morris County, which will remain in effect from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The rain will get heavy Monday evening, with gusts up to 30 mph, according to forecasters. Showers and heavy wind will continue into the morning — mainly before 8 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Inundation could occur by bodies of water, low-lying areas and other flood-prone spots, according to the flood watch.

"If you are traveling during the heavy rain, please give yourself additional travel time and decrease your speed to avoid hydroplaning," said Jeffrey S. Paul, director of Morris County's Office of Emergency Management.

Rainfall totals of 1-1.5 inches are likely, with localized totals of 2 inches possible, the National Weather Service says. The heavy rain could overwhelm rivers and streams that took in significant rainfall earlier this month.

Here's the National Weather Service's forecast for Chatham as of 4:30 p.m. Monday:

• Monday afternoon: A chance of rain, mainly after 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 52. Southeast wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Monday night: Rain, mainly after 7 p.m. Low around 40. Breezy, with a northeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Tuesday: Showers likely, mainly before 8 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
• Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
• Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

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