Heavy rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal is raising serious concerns across parts of New Jersey, with flash flooding likely in several areas on Monday, July 7. According to forecasters, some regions could see as much as 4 to 6 inches (101 to 152 mm) of rain by the end of the day, especially near and along the Interstate 95 corridor.
Flash flooding risk grows across western and central New Jersey
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service are increasingly alarmed about the potential for highly localized downpours late Monday afternoon into the evening hours, particularly across a swath stretching from Salem County up to Hunterdon County along the Delaware River. Rainfall could intensify rapidly, reaching rates of 2 inches (51 mm) per hour, a pace fast enough to overwhelm small rivers, creeks, and urban drainage systems.
As of this morning, a flood watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. for 10 counties, including Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Salem, Somerset, northwestern Burlington, and western Monmouth.
Heaviest rain expected from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday
The Mount Holly office of the National Weather Service noted that deep atmospheric moisture combined with slow-moving storm cells could produce repetitive rainfall over the same locations. This setup is particularly dangerous, as it significantly increases the chances of flash flooding, even in places that typically handle storm runoff well.
Forecasters emphasized that while larger rivers will likely stay within their banks, smaller waterways are at greater risk of overflow. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware and monitor warnings throughout the day.
Rainfall bands pushing in from Pennsylvania and Delaware
As of early Monday afternoon, radar imagery showed heavy showers tracking across Maryland, Delaware, and southeastern Pennsylvania — with some rain bands heading toward southwestern and west-central New Jersey. A flash flood warning was already issued for Chester County, Pennsylvania, where 1.5 to 2.5 inches (38 to 64 mm) of rain fell in a short span, with more on the way.
AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned that despite Chantal’s weakened wind field, storms like this can “spring back to life” unexpectedly, triggering intense rainfall and even severe thunderstorms.
More storm activity expected Tuesday with rising heat and humidity
Looking ahead to Tuesday, July 8, New Jersey may face another round of storms, this time accompanied by the potential for damaging winds and small hail. With daytime highs climbing into the low 90s°F (32–34°C) and humidity levels pushing the heat index toward the low 100s°F (38–39°C), the environment will be primed for severe thunderstorm development.
A heat advisory has been issued from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, and Somerset counties.
Post-tropical Chantal still packing rain punch
Although Tropical Storm Chantal has now been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, it continues to carry the threat of pockets of torrential rainfall. As of 11 a.m. Monday, the center of the storm was located roughly 20 miles southwest of Lumberton, North Carolina, moving northward at about 9 mph. Despite weakening winds — now topping out at 35 mph — the system retains enough moisture to trigger flash flooding along its northeastern path.
Stay alert throughout the evening, especially in low-lying or flood-prone areas, as New Jersey’s weather continues to be shaped by the lingering effects of Chantal and the arrival of heat-fueled thunderstorms.
