Flash Flood Watch Issued For Union County As Ida Approaches

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A flash flood watch has been issued for Union County as the remnants of Hurricane Ida pass through the area on Wednesday and into Thursday.

Residents should expect periods of heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms resulting in widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts possible, according to the National Weather Service.

Most of the rain may fall in a short period of time, exacerbating the flooding threat. Combined with the already wet and saturated ground this could lead to numerous instances of flash flooding.

Flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, and poor drainage areas is likely in the areas of heaviest rain. Water is likely to cover the roads, especially in low-lying areas.

Local police and firefighters are warning drivers not to drive through any flooded roadways and to run around.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast for Wednesday and Thursday:

Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 4 p.m. High near 74. East wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Low around 61. East wind 10 to 13 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between 3 and 4 inches possible.

Thursday: Rain likely, mainly before 8 a.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 72. North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

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