Tropical Storm Arthur Expected Near New Jersey Coastal Areas on Friday
NEW JERSEY – Weather Underground is tracking a storm system that may hit the New Jersey coastal areas by Friday.
The National Weather Service has declared a Hazardous Weather Outlook potentially beginning this afternoon for the Sussex County area, stretching to the Atlantic Coastline, through Friday. Today, the heat index is also expected to stay in the upper 90’s, and caution outdoors is suggested due to the high heat index.
Tropical Storm Arthur, according to the weather map featured in this story from Weather Underground, is predicted to form Northeast of the Florida coastline this evening, July 2. According to Dr. Jeff Masters, Weather Underground’s Director of Meteorology and co-founder of Weather Underground, the tropical storm warnings are already being blasted off for the coast of North Carolina. The storm is making its way up the coast at 7 mph. Click here to read Masters’ full report.
Wind gusts were reported this morning east of Florida’s Cape Canaveral between 47 to 60 mph, and caused bands of heavy rain in the area.
Masters is keeping the odds low that it will hit Category 3 storm intensity quickly. However, the storm is predicted to reach hurricane strength tomorrow, with winds between 80 to 100 mph, around the time it nears the Outer Banks in North Carolina. The Outer Banks may experience hurricane-force winds, Masters said, with the probability forecast meteorologists are monitoring.
Rip currents have already been spotted in off of the coast of Florida between West Palm Beach and north near Jacksonville, Masters added. The rip currents are expecting to accompany the storm, with the surf cresting at six to eight feet. If the storm reaches the New Jersey area, these rip currents will reach New Jersey by Friday morning.
According to the Weather Underground map released this morning at 11 a.m., the storm will reach the New Jersey coastline on Friday morning, with winds expected in the 75 to 95 mph range.
Weather Underground is currently reporting scattered clouds and a chance of thunderstorms today, July 2 in the Newton area, with temperatures at about 84 degrees, though with the humid conditions, temperatures seem like 93. Locally heavy thunderstorms are predicted overnight with scattered storms expected to begin in the evening. The National Weather Service has described these storms as “severe.” Thunderstorms are predicted for Thursday, with the National Weather Service calling for heavy rain, as well, for Thursday. Both weather agencies are calling for a chance of rain for the area on Friday, July 4th.
Temperatures are slightly cooler by the shore area for those visiting or residing there. In Seaside Heights, the skies are currently clear, with temperatures at about 73, though they feel like 71. Overnight, according to the National Weather Service, heavy rain is expected, with thunderstorms beginning after 9 a.m. Weather Underground sides with that forecast tomorrow, predicting an increase in clouds, and thunderstorms in the morning. Heavy rains are expected to persist throughout the day. Weather Underground is calling for a chance of thunderstorms at 90 percent into Friday at 70 percent, with most activity in the morning, and then tapering off in the afternoon. Rain showers may also dampen the area on Friday evening.
The rainy weather is expected to depart, and sunny conditions return by Saturday, July 5.
NJ Inside Scene will continue to follow Tropical Storm Arthur and the impending weather system as it develops. Click here to follow us for storm tracking and other news on NJInsideScene.com’s Facebook Page.
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