Several counties in New Jersey are under a flash flood warning because of severe thunderstorms moving through the region Tuesday.
Isolated thunderstorms fueled by the intense heat wave have developed in parts of New Jersey early Tuesday afternoon, prompting a series of storm warnings and flash flood warnings in several counties.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for sections of Essex, Hudson and Union counties, where heavy downpours have been reported. In addition, the weather service issued a flash flood warning for the same region, along with parts of Bergen and Passaic counties, effective through Tuesday night.
The alerts were issued amid Day 5 of a severe heat wave that is expected to last through Friday, with temperatures soaring into the 90s, along with oppressive humidity.
As of 1:45 p.m., weather radar showed a large batch of thunderstorms lingering near Elizabeth, Rahway and Newark. The weather service said the storm is producing heavy downpours and frequent lightning, and about 1.5 inches of rain has already fallen in a short time span.
Trees on cars
There were no immediate reports of major flooding on areas highways, but the National Weather Service received reports of trees that fell onto cars in Belleville and Newark in Essex County and in Arlington in Bergen County.
The initial report on the Belleville tree incident said occupants were trapped in the vehicle, according to Faye Morrone, a meteorologist at the weather service’s regional office in Upton, N.Y., which oversees the northeastern region of New Jersey.
Hail, ranging from the size of a dime to the size of a nickel, was reported in three Bergen County towns: Harrington Park, Montvale and River Vale.
Flood warning in Morris County
This warning was issued at about 3:45 p.m. for towns in the northeastern section of Morris County, where thunderstorms were dropping heavy rain.
Thunderstorm warning in Bergen
The weather service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Bergen County, effective through 3 p.m.
Thunderstorm alert for Middlesex County
As of 2:30 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was located near Carteret and Perth Amboy in Middlesex County and moving towards Woodbridge.
“Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding,” the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
The weather service noted that “frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm.”
HIGH INSTABILITY
Lots of energy for t’storms this afternoon along I-95. Watching for a few drenching downpours to develop along with dangerous lightning. While not expected to be widespread they can cause some localized flooding. pic.twitter.com/BFW5HsjbSt— Cecily Tynan (@CecilyTynan) July 3, 2018
Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.