Flood Watches Expand Ahead Of More Thunderstorms In NJ

More rounds of showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast Thursday, with damaging winds and flash floods being the biggest threats.

A flood watch will be in effect through Thursday evening in Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Hunterdon, Somerset, Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, Cumberland and Atlantic counties.

"Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this
afternoon and evening, capable of producing heavy downpours," the National Weather Service said. "Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are likely and short term training could result in flooding over southeast Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, and portions of southern New Jersey."

The main timing of the storms will be 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., forecasters said.

Severe storms are most likely in South Jersey.

"While showers and thunderstorms capable of damaging winds and localized flash flooding are likely for the northern zones as well, the highest impacts in terms of potential severe weather and flash flooding should be focused generally south of Philadelphia," National Weather Service forecasters said.

Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected Friday. Again, heavy rain and flash floods are the biggest threat. The flood watch may be expanded depending on where rain falls Thursday.

These showers may linger into Saturday, according to the forecast.

"There remains a vast amount of uncertainty with how Saturday will pan out as guidance continues to struggle with how quickly the cold front clears the area," the National Weather Service said. "Some guidance slows the progression of the front, keeping more in the way of showers around on Saturday, whereas others show a faster progression, yielding mainly dry weather."

As we head into next week, dry weather returns to New Jersey, forecasters said.