High wind warning, flood advisory in effect for Princeton area

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly has issued a flood advisory and a high wind warning for the Princeton region.

Winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with wind gusts of 50 to 65 miles per hour are expected throughout the day Monday. The high wind warning is in effect until 7 p.m. for Mercer, Middlesex, Burlington (northwest), and Bucks counties.

Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Last week, high winds took down trees, poles and wires in the region and several areas were without power.

The strongest winds are expected from late morning into the afternoon. Thunderstorms are possible on Monday and could result in even stronger wind gusts. People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid standing near windows. Use caution if you must drive.

A flood advisory is in effect until noon Monday for Mercer and Hunterdon counties, and portions of Burlington, Somerset, Middlesex and Bucks counties. Heavy rain could cause minor flooding across low lying and poor drainage areas. Up to one inch of rain has already fallen in some areas.

Locations that could experience flooding include Princeton, Trenton, South Brunswick, Ewing, Jamesburg, Hightstown, Flemington, Bordentown, and Cranbury. The following highways could see minor flooding, according to the National Weather Service: Interstate 195 in New Jersey between mile markers 0 and 8, Interstate 295 in New Jersey between mile markers 48 and 76, Interstate 95 in Pennsylvania between mile markers 35 and 40, the New Jersey Turnpike between exits 6 and 9, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike between exits 351 and 353.

A Flood Advisory means river or stream flows are elevated, or ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is imminent.