Severe Weather and Flooding Possible for Thursday

Heavy rain and possible flooding are expected throughout northern New Jersey on Thursday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting thunderstorms and up to 2 inches of rain.

A flood watch was issued from the Mount Holly weather service station for several counties, including Morris, Essex, Bergen, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.

The NWS predicted that the heavy rain could cause flooding in some areas with already high water.

"The added rain will increase the chances for flooding to occur on rivers and creeks that are already running high due to the heavy rain that occurred last Friday and Monday," the NWS said on its website.

The NJ Office of Emergency Management also is monitoring a low pressure and severe storm system.

Depending on the ultimate track of the weather front, different parts of New Jersey could also see a tornado threat or severe thunderstorms. Damaging winds and hail are also possible.

“This is a complex storm, and a complex forecast due to the amount of rain we've recently experienced,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, State Police superintendent and director of the state Office of Emergency Management.

Fuentes said the state is  monitoring the situation "with our partners from the National Weather Service and the County Offices of Emergency Management."

A small chance of showers continues on Friday, but the sun is expected to return for the weekend.

The State Emergency Operations Center is activated and remain open as long as conditions dictate.

The NJOEM offers ways to maintain situational awareness about severe weather events. The NJOEM has a website for an extensive list of resources for obtaining information about emergencies:  http://www.ready.nj.gov/plan/staying_informed.html

New Jersey residents should also stay connected with their county OEMs via social media and county emergency alerting systems.   Links to County OEM social media pages and alert systems can be found at: http://www.ready.nj.gov/about/association.html

"Be especially careful if you are on the road," Fuentes said. "We also remind drivers not to drive through ponded or standing water, on roads impacted by heavy rain. Those who live in river communities should be aware of the potential for flooding, and follow instructions if given by local emergency officials.”