UPDATE: Thousands lose power as winds gust up to 50 mph
Strong thunderstorms that could include heavy rain and gusty winds could cause power outages in New Jersey starting Wednesday afternoon, according to the latest forecast.
A wind advisory will be in effect from noon to 6 p.m. for Atlantic, southeast Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties.
Winds of 20 mph could gust as high as 40 to 50 mph on a day when a half-inch to an inch of rain is expected.
Unsecured objects could be blown around, tree limbs could snap, and power lines could be pulled down, the weather service said.
The National Weather Service said it also can’t rule out the possibility of a tornado.
It’ll be a warm day in the state with highs ranging from the low 50s to the low 60s.
Rain will spread across the state this afternoon from west to east, with heavy precipitation possible during the evening commute.
The precipitation starts to lighten and move off the coast by late evening, the weather service said in its morning forecast discussion. Winds will also diminish by late tonight.
Strong winds could lead to power outages in parts of New Jersey on Wednesday.National Weather Service
Spotty overnight showers are possible, butdrier air will push in as temperatures fall into the 40s.
On Thursday afternoon, winds of 20 to 30 mph could gust as high 40 to 50 mph.
A partly sunny day is expected with highs in the low 50s before dropping into the 30s overnight.
Breezy conditions stick around Friday, though winds won’t be nearly as strong. Forecasters say gusts could reach as high as 30 mph.
Expect sunny skies and temps reaching the low 50s Friday. It’ll be cooler in northwestern New Jersey. A stray shower could also brush the area on Friday night.
Dry, sunny conditions are in the forecast for the weekend with highs ranging from the low 40s in northwest areas to the low 50s in southern New Jersey.
Current weather radar
Stories by Jeff Goldman
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.