'Seek Shelter' Order At Princeton University As NJ Storms Roll In

Lightning strikes were reported as storms rolled through New Jersey on Saturday, prompting Princeton University to send a "seek shelter" order." The storms were causing other problems across the state as well.

Lightning strikes were reported on the campus, prompting Princeton to issue this order: "Seek shelter inside the closest building immediately. Avoid standing under tents.

"For your safety, remain inside until you receive an 'All Clear' notification or this alert is removed from the Princeton homepage."

The order came as Princeton was celebrating its reunion weekend. A parade was to be held through campus at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fitz Randolph Gate. The parade was canceled.

A hazardous weather alert, meanwhile, was in effect throughout New Jersey as Princeton and other areas were dealing with a deluge of rain.

Here were some of the problems:

• I-287: Flooding on I-287 northbound ramp to Exit 3 - New Durham Rd in Edison Twp. Ramp closed.
• NJ 7: Accident on NJ 7 eastbound CR 659/Fish House Rd in Kearny. Left lane closed.
• New Jersey Turnpike: Accident with injuries on the New Jersey Turnpike inner roadway southbound South of Interchange 12 - Carteret-Rahway in Carteret. All lanes open to traffic.
• Garden State Parkway: Accident on the Garden State Parkway southbound North of Exit 135 - Central Ave in Clark Twp. Left lane blocked.

Thunderstorms were producing very heavy downpours. Localized rainfall amounts of up to 1 inch were possible, which could lead to localized poor drainage flooding given how saturated the ground still is from last weekend's excessive rainfall.

Here is the forecast:

• Saturday afternoon: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a high near 86. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
• Saturday night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am, then a slight chance of showers after 2am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Sunday: A slight chance of showers before 8am, then a chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. East wind 11 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Sunday night: Showers likely, mainly after 8pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a low around 53. East wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
• Monday: A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Northeast wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

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