Flash flood and severe thunderstorm watches in effect

 

A flash flood watch is en effect from 2 p.m. until midnight. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m. for the entire state and for eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued the flash flood watch for  parts of central, northwestern, and southwestern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Mercer County, Middlesex County, Hunterdon County and Somerset County are all in the flood watch area.

Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected through tonight. While flash flooding is not anticipated with the initial rounds,  the ground will be saturated for the next round of storms. Torrential downpours in some areas this afternoon and evening could produce rainfall rates greater than two inches per hour. While the entire area will not receive heavy rain, isolated rainfall totals of three to six inches are possible where storms track over the same locations.

Water levels could rise quickly along streams and creeks and in areas of poor drainage. Significant roadway flooding is possible in isolated areas.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should a flash flood warnings be issued. Basement flooding is possible due to heavy rain falling on soils already saturated from previous storms. If your home has a history of basement flooding, monitor your sump pump for proper operation and if possible, direct outside water flow away from your house