I do not mean to bombard or overload everyone with these weather updates, but it has been such an active week and all attention has been put on Joaquin, that I don't want this next three days of weather to be overlooked. While Joaquin is still possible, those forecasts change every 6 hours and will continue to change for the next few days before it can really be pinpointed and nailed down. I thought there was some clarity in those forecasts today, but that hasn't come true as the day progresses.
This Outlook is for Thursday, Friday and into Saturday and DOES NOT involve or include any tropical activity or forecast involving Joaquin!
A cold front is currently moving slowly through the state and will move off the coast, stalling for the next couple of days. Low pressure will develop along the front bringing unsettled weather to the area. The warmer temperatures and humidity will retreat some as highs drop into the 60's and overnight lows tonight for Wednesday will be down into the 50's. Rain will return for Wednesday Night becoming widely scattered and heavy at times. Rains will continue for Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well becoming widely scattered to more widespread with heavy rains possible as well. There will be periods of no rain, with cloudy skies, however most rain will be heavier at times and accompanied by thunderstorms. Anywhere from 1-5+ inches are possible with locally heavier amounts. Rainfall totals increase to the southeast, so Northwestern NJ will probably see the least and increase into the coast and Southeastern NJ. These rainfall amounts could cause inland and flash flooding. Winds will increase over the next few days, peaking into Friday Night and Saturday. These winds will be inland as well as for marine zones. Winds will average 25-35 MPH with gusts 50-60 MPH. Marine areas will have Small Craft Advisories and Hazardous Conditions as waves moves towards 15+ feet on the oceans at around 9 seconds. Surf conditions will be hazardous with rough surf over 12+ feet and dangerous rip currents. Beach erosion and higher than normal tides at 2-4 feet above normal are likely. This will cause minor coastal flooding on Thursday, moderate coastal flooding on Friday and moderate to major coastal flooding on Saturday.
High Wind Watches, Coastal Flood Watches, numerous marine advisories, Gale Warnings and Storm Watches are in effect. Anyone that is in flood prone areas be prepared for flooding. Coastal tides will reach 5-9 feet total by Saturday (comparison to Sandy where tides were at 10-13+ feet). So, this could be a significant event itself.
Now is the time to put plans in action for the coastal flooding threat, as this is a definite over the next 3 days at minimum. Be safe and have a way of receiving weather alerts. Share and contact me if needed.
