Tornado Watch Across NJ Through 6 PM

UPDATE: The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch Monday for most of New Jersey. The threat goes until 6 p.m. and includes the following counties: Atlantic; Burlington; Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren.

The outbreak of storms has caused widespread destruction across parts of the South, with dozens of reports of tornadoes since Sunday, including several that proved fatal. Tornadoes that touched down in South Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, and beyond have killed at least 22, according to the Weather Channel.

Here is the threat area:

Previous reporting:

After a mild and sunny Easter Sunday, bad weather has arrived Monday in New Jersey and will continue throughout the day. Expect high winds, thunderstorms, possible flooding, and even a tornado, forecasters with the National Weather Service say.

There are multiple hazards in place, including a high wind warning through 7 p.m. and a flood advisory until noon.

Showers and a chance of thunderstorms are predicted during the day. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain, the weather service said. Winds will be 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 55 to 60 mph, forecasters said.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," the weather service said in its high wind warning. "Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,"

The strongest winds are expected to occur from late morning into the afternoon. "Thunderstorms are possible on Monday that could result in even stronger wind gusts," the warning said.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," the warning said. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

Forecasters are also tracking the threat of flooding across southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A flood advisory is in place until noon.

"Doppler radar indicated heavy rain that will cause minor flooding across low-lying and poor-drainage areas. Up to one inch of rain has already fallen," the weather service said at 8 a.m.

The rain will continue throughout the day, with the chance of showers and thunderstorms persisting through the early evening. Skies will clear overnight, giving way to sunshine and highs in the upper 50s on Tuesday.

Here is the local forecast:

Monday: High near 72. Windy, with a south wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between three-quarters and one inch possible.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 45. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Precipitation between a tenth and quarter of an inch is possible, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 57. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday night: A chance of rain mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are possible.

Wednesday: A chance of rain, mainly before 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. Precipitation between a tenth and quarter of an inch is possible.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54.