NEW JERSEY, Thursday, June 20 – A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect through 9 p.m. as a potent cold front advances across the region, clashing with a warm and humid air mass already in place. This atmospheric setup creates ideal conditions for the development of strong to severe thunderstorms across New Jersey and surrounding areas.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the risk of severe weather is elevated, with damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) being the primary concern. These winds could lead to downed trees, power outages, and localized structural damage. While hail is less likely, it cannot be ruled out in the strongest cells.
With dew points soaring and high humidity dominating the atmosphere, any thunderstorm that develops could unleash torrential rainfall in a short span of time. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) are possible within minutes, raising the threat of isolated flash flooding, especially in urban and low-lying zones.
Early afternoon radar already shows developing downpours in parts of the area, though the peak timeframe for severe storm activity is expected between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., moving west to east across the state.
A watch means that the potential for severe weather exists, but it does not confirm that storms will occur in every location. If storms intensify and pose a danger, a severe thunderstorm warning will be issued specifically for your location.
Stay weather-aware this evening and monitor updates from 69News. For real-time alerts and radar, download the free 69News StormCenter app on your phone.
