By: Michael Bautista, Community Journalist
SOUTH JERSEY — A tornado watch covers 16 counties and other threats of damaging winds and heavy rainfall has officials across New Jersey urging residents to prepare today through the evening.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill took to social media to say state officials are closely monitoring the situation as conditions ramp up.
“We are closely monitoring the approaching storm and urge all New Jerseyans to please stay safe,” said Gov. Sherrill across social media platforms. “A tornado watch has been issued for 16 counties, and we are expecting high winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. Please monitor your local forecast, drive with caution, charge your devices, and stay safe.”
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development and is urging its residents to monitor emergency alerts.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Philadelphia and Mount Holly say severe thunderstorms are likely to develop Monday afternoon and evening across South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia region.
The storms are expected to form as several weather factors combine, including warm temperatures, a rise in humidity, and a strong cold front that is pushing through the region. The ingredients are helping create an unstable atmosphere capable of producing powerful thunderstorms.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the region has been placed under an enhanced risk for severe weather, which means forecasters have a high confidence that severe weather will occur, and that some could become significant enough to cause some damage.
The primary hazard is expected to be damaging winds. In the strongest storms, wind gusts could exceed 75 mph, which could bring down trees and falling powerlines, causing scattered power outages.
Weather forecasters say isolated tornadoes are also possible as the storm system moves through, although widespread tornado activity is not expected. Heavy rainfall from the storms could also lead to localized flash flooding in some areas.
Emergency management officials across all seven South Jersey counties are warning residents. Those conditions could worsen as the storm moves from west to east later in the day.
Communities along the Jersey shore are also preparing for the impacts that the weather conditions are bringing. Officials in Wildwood, New Jersey, warned its residents that the severe thunderstorms developing this afternoon can bring powerful winds, capable of causing scattered tree damage, and power outages along the shore.
Utility provider, Atlantic City Electric, issued a statement online encouraging customers to prepare ahead of the storm by charging electronic devices, putting together emergency kits, and using generators safely if power outages occur.
Many services have closed or cancelled throughout the region.
As storms move through the region on Monday night, temperatures are expected to drop sharply. Code Blue advisories have been issued across the region, warning that the overnight temperatures near freezing could pose a risk for individuals living outdoors or in poorly insulated conditions.
New Jersey state officials say residents should continue monitoring the forecast and emergency alerts throughout the day as watches or warnings are issued and conditions evolve.
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