Wind gusts (in knots) forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday, Jan. 9-10, 2024. (Credit: NWS)
With barely a day having gone by since the weekend’s rain storm moved through the region, another coastal storm has its eye on the Shore area – this time with a greater probability of flooding and high winds.
The National Weather Service has already issued both a flood watch and high wind watch for Tuesday night to Wednesday night as a power storm system tracks closer to the region. South winds 35 to 45 m.p.h. with gusts up to 60 m.p.h. or higher are possible between Tuesday evening and Wednesday evening, according to the NWS.
Additionally, “flooding caused by excessive rainfall” is possible throughout the area.
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“Forecast rainfall for Tuesday into Wednesday has widespread total amounts of 2 to 3 inches with localized amounts of 4 inches possible,” the NWS watch statement said. “The ground remains quite saturated following multiple rounds of heavy rainfall over the last few weeks. A period of higher hourly rainfall rates is possible during the overnight hours Tuesday night which would enhance the potential risk for flooding, particularly in urban areas.”
In North Jersey, additional flooding may be attributed to snow melt, however that is not a factor in the Shore area.
According to the NWS forecast, after a sunny day Monday with a high of 42 degrees, clouds will increase overnight and rain is expected to begin again around 1 p.m. Tuesday, with between a quarter and half-inch of rain possible. On Tuesday night, bands of heavy rain may move through, with winds sustained at 40 to 45 m.p.h. with gusts reaching 60 m.p.h. or more in certain circumstances. An additional 1-3 inches of rain may fall during this period and Wednesday morning.
The storm will move relatively quickly, however, with the NWS forecasting peaks of sun by the end of the day Wednesday. Skies will clear by nightfall Wednesday and the sun will return Thursday with a high of 46, the agency said.
