Severe Storm Threat Increases With Flash Flooding, High Winds In NJ

The risk of severe thunderstorms Friday night has increased, with flash flooding and damaging winds being the primary threat, according to the National Weather Service.

A very hot and humid day is on tap before the storms move in.

A Heat Advisory remains in place for most of the state through Saturday. The exception is the far southern counties.

Heat index values could reach 104 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms are expected from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

"Any storms could be capable of producing locally damaging winds and heavy rainfall which could lead to flash flooding," National Weather Service forecasters said.

No flash flood alerts have been issued, but forecasters warned that rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches an hour, which could create flooding in urbanized areas if it goes on long enough.

The greatest threat is along and northwest of the I-95 corridor.

More storms are likely Saturday, forecasters said. However, details are unclear.

Sunday should be dry and slightly less humid, though the reprieve will be short.

Heading into next week, Monday and Tuesday also look to be hot, humid and stormy.

A cold front late Tuesday or Wednesday should break the excessive heat and humidity, forecasters said. But it could also continue the stormy pattern.