A coastal system will impact the region beginning tonight through Saturday night. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected across portions of the area. The Flood Watch was expanded to include our entire area, except for Carbon and Monroe Counties. Aside from the expansion of the Flood Watch, no significant changes have occurred to the forecast with this update. Details follow below:
Hazardous Weather: Widespread heavy rainfall amounts of 2-3", locally 4"+. Strong wind gusts near 35-45 mph possible.
Locations affected: Heaviest rainfall potentially focused within 30-40 miles of the I-95 corridor, although heavy rainfall amounts are possible across the entire area. Strong southeast winds developing near the coast on Saturday, although winds shifting to the north Saturday night impacting the entire area.
Timing: Rain beginning tonight. Heaviest rainfall during the daytime hours Saturday, especially during the afternoon. Rain tapering off late Saturday afternoon and evening. Strongest winds most likely occurring Saturday night.
Impacts: Widespread heavy rainfall will lead to some areas of flooding, particularly in urbanized, poor drainage, and low-lying, flat areas. The widespread heavy rainfall will cause rises along creeks and streams. Some river flooding is possible, especially within the Raritan and Passaic basin. Strong wind gusts may lead to some down trees and tree limbs, which may result in some power outages.
Confidence on occurrence: Confidence on widespread heavy rainfall is high (90-100%), although the exact placement of the highest amounts and greatest impact from any flooding is lower (50-60%). Confidence on strong wind gusts near 35-45 mph area-wide is moderate (50-60%).
