Flood watch in effect for Princeton region and beyond through Monday morning
A flood watch is in effect for counties in our region including Mercer, Hunterson, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, and Ocean counties in New Jersey, and Bucks County in Pennsylvania, until Monday morning, Aug. 23.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, periods of heavy rain will be possible from Saturday afternoon through Sunday night due to the close approach of Hurricane Henri. Rainfall of two to four inches is expected with higher amounts possible. Flash flooding will be possible through this time.
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, be prepared to take action if flooding develops. Keep your cell phone charged in case you lose power. Have an evacuation plan. Secure valuable objects on higher ground and turn off electricity and gas. Don’t drive through roads that are flooded.
A Tropical Storm Warning also is in effect for Monmouth and Middlesex counties. Hurricane Henri is now about 360 miles southeast of Atlantic City. Wind speeds of up to 75 miles per hour are possible for the storm warning area. The storm is moving in a northeast direction at 14 miles per hour. Henri is expected to track northeastward along the Eastern Seaboard through Saturday night and is expected to make landfall on Long Island or southern New England on Sunday.
The main threat to the region is very heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding. Tropical storm winds are possible in portions of Central New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service. With a full moon this weekend, minor coastal flooding is also expected, primarily with the high tide this evening along the New Jersey Coast. Dangerous marine conditions will develop over the northern Atlantic Waters with strong winds, rough seas, and dangerous rip currents.
Major rainfall flooding could result in evacuations and rescues. Rivers and tributaries could rapidly overflow their banks. Damage to roofs and siding is possible, along with damage to porches, awning, carports, and sheds. Secure lightweight objects like trashcans when possible.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.