Flood watch issued for seven New Jersey counties as heavy rain prompts potential flash flooding
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for seven New Jersey counties as slow-moving showers and thunderstorms threaten river, creek, and street flooding Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.
The watch covers Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Salem, Somerset and northwestern Burlington counties, and will be in effect through 1 a.m. Thursday. Excessive runoff could flood rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying or flood-prone locations, with urban and poor-drainage areas especially at risk.
Forecasters say some storm cells could produce 1-3 inches of rainfall per hour, and when storms move over the urban corridor, flash flooding is a possibility. In very isolated spots, totals could reach up to 6 inches.
A flood warning is more urgent than a flood watch, but for now, residents should stay alert and be prepared to act quickly if conditions worsen.
Wednesday’s weather arrives amid New Jersey’s sixth heat wave of the summer. Heat and high humidity pushed temperatures into the low 90s in many spots by early afternoon. Newark Liberty International Airport reported 93 degrees by around 2 p.m., with several towns seeing 94-95 degrees, including Haworth in Bergen County, Hamilton in Mercer County, and Sicklerville in Camden County, according to the Rutgers NJ Weather Network.
What this means for you:
– Monitor forecasts closely and be prepared to adjust plans as needed.
– If you encounter standing water or flooded roads, turn around and seek alternate routes—flood waters can be deeper than they appear.
– Drivers should avoid travel during heavy downpours and during any flood warnings or road closures.
The weather team will continue to track storms and flood potential and will share updates as conditions evolve. If you need quick tips or alerts, consider keeping a close eye on local alerts and trusted forecast sources. Stay safe and plan ahead for possible travel disruptions.