Flash Flood Watch Issued For Union County As Storm Approaches

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A flash flood watch has been issued for Union County through Friday by the National Weather Service.

The Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Union County through Friday at 8 a.m.

From Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night, Union County residents should expect showers and thunderstorms to develop ahead of and with the passage of a cold front on Thursday night.

Rain is expected to be heavy at times with widespread rainfall totals ranging from 1 to 2.5 inches with locally higher amounts possible.

Much of the rainfall could occur in a short period of time, leading to at least the threat of localized flooding, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are possible, with the main threat occurring from Thursday afternoon into the early overnight hours, officials said. Read More: Flash Floods, 3 Inches Of Rain Possible In North Jersey This Week

The most likely sources of flooding are creeks, streams, urban areas and poor drainage areas, according to the National Weather Agency. Localized flash flooding is also possible. The flooding would most likely occur Thursday afternoon through Friday morning.

Here's the forecast for Union County as of 4 p.m. Wednesday:

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Thursday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 62. Southeast wind 8 to 13 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

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