Tropical Storm Elsa In NJ: Flash Flood Watch, Severe Storms

NEW JERSEY, NJ — Forecasters say flash flooding, up to 60 mph winds and power outages could impact Jersey on Thursday night into Friday as Tropical Storm Elsa hits the Garden State.

A tropical storm warning is now in effect throughout the New Jersey coastline, as well as a flash flood watch for the entire state through Friday morning. Severe thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, excessive heat and even possible tornadoes are on the forecast.

"Numerous flash flooding including some significant events [are] likely. Many streams may flood, affecting nearby residential and urban areas," the National Weather Service said. "Heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding is our primary concern with this storm."

The storm has potential for storm-force wind gusts between 39 and 57 mph, likely to cause damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, tree limbs and unanchored mobile homes. Motorists should expect hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways with potential scattered power and communications outages.

"The greatest threat for tropical storm force winds will be along the coast and marine areas. However, there is a chance these strong winds could reach farther inland," the agency said.

Heavy rainfall may have "possible extensive impacts" especially across northern New Jersey, the service said in a hurricane statement, with “a few tornadoes ... possible for eastern New Jersey and southeastern Delaware, which could lead to locally enhanced damage.”

Showers are expected to pepper the state through Friday evening.

Tropical Storm Elsa Update
A tropical storm warning is now in effect for all of coastal NJ. Learn more https://t.co/M0AnQWo2Z1

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Tropical Storm Warning

The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning at 11:21 a.m. on Thursday for coastal counties of New Jersey and Delaware (Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington) as well as the Lower Delaware Bay and inland Sussex county. For coastal residents, very strong winds may cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in less than 36 hours. The winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, rough seas, dangerous rip currents and river flooding, according to the service.

"Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions," the agency said. "Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions."

Flash Flood Watch

A flash flood watch - issued when conditions are possible and favorable for flash flooding - is in effect throughout the state from 5 p.m. on Thursday through Friday morning.

"Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected on the coastal plain, with locally higher amounts up to 6 inches possible. West of the Interstate 95 Corridor, amounts should range from 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts to 3 inches possible," the National Weather Service said.

"Heavy rain in a short period of time may cause streams and creeks to rise quickly out of their banks and there is the potential for flash flooding in urban areas."

Moderate rainfall flooding may even prompt several evacuations and rescues, the agency said, as rivers and tributaries may overflow along with streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches. Floodwaters can enter some structures or weaken foundations.

"Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding," the agency said. "Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life."

Tornadoes ‘Somewhat’ Likely

As of 11 a.m. on Thursday, the National Weather Service says that conditions are currently "somewhat favorable" for tornadoes, but Garden State residents should be prepared should an evacuation be necessary.

"A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions," the National Weather Service said. "Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings."

Hazardous Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service also issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook in all 21 counties on Thursday, in effect through next Wednesday due to potential flooding.

"Several instances of flooding are possible, especially in urban and poor-drainage areas and near vulnerable small creeks and streams," the service said.

Here are the affected counties:

• Warren
• Salem
• Atlantic
• Somerset
• Cape May
• Morris
• Ocean
• Passaic
• Hudson
• Bergen
• Essex
• Union
• Hunterdon
• Cumberland
• Sussex
• Gloucester
• Camden
• Burlington
• Middlesex
• Mercer
• Monmouth

Here is the latest forecast:

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 72. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 a.m., then showers likely between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 79. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.