N.J. weather: Severe thunderstorms, flash floods could hit during rush hour

National Weather Service

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UPDATE: At 10:30 a.m., the National Weather Service forecast for severe thunderstorms was elevated to cover nearly all of New Jersey. The forecast map at the top of this story has been updated.

By Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A flash flood watch has been issued for Tuesday with the threat of heavy downpours from severe thunderstorms that could blast New Jersey with high winds, dangerous lightning and hail.

National Weather Service forecasters say 1 to 2 inches of heavy rain could fall on much of northern and Central Jersey this afternoon and make for an unpleasant evening rush. Rain is also expected in South Jersey, but there's less of a threat of prolonged, severe thunderstorms.

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National Weather Service

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Damaging winds are also possible, which means the potential for power outages from downed trees and utility polls.

A flash flood watch is in effect from 11 a.m. through this evening for the following counties: Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, western Monmouth, Mercer, Gloucester, Camden, northwestern Burlington. The flash flood watch begins at noon and lasts until 10 p.m. in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties.

The National Weather Service says excessive rain in a short period of time might cause small streams and creeks to spill over their banks. Flash flooding is also possible in urban areas with poor drainage.

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Accuweather

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Flash flood warning

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Temperatures are already in the 70s as of 6:30 p.m. and should climb into the mid to upper 80s by the time the storms roll in around mid-afternoon. In the meantime, we'll have sunny, humid conditions.

Rain is likely to begin falling sometime after 2 p.m. in northern New Jersey and after 4 p.m. in South Jersey, the weather service says.

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National Weather Service

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Thunderstorms are dangerous. And all the advice you've been given about them is true

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Forecasters say we might be in for two rounds of severe weather. After the first line of thunderstorms moves through, there could be lull before we get hit with a second, powerful punch late this afternoon into the evening.

Wet weather is likely to continue through the evening before tapering off after midnight.

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What the weather radar could look like during rush hour

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Cooler, dry air moves in early Wednesday and sets the stage for three days of sunny and pleasant weather. Daytime highs will be in the 80s with overnight temps dropping into the 60s.

A heat advisory remains in effect for the five northeastern counties until 6 p.m.

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Accuweather

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7-day forecast

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Accuweather

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Accuweather

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Tuesday morning live on the Wildwood Boardwalk

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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