New Jersey Weather Tonight: 55 MPH Winds, Coastal Flooding

Philadelphia, PA – Strong winds, periods of rain and coastal flooding could create travel problems across the Philadelphia region, New Jersey, Delaware and nearby coastal communities beginning tonight and continuing through the weekend.

According to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, the strongest winds are expected tonight through Saturday night, although breezy conditions will continue Sunday. Forecasters warned that strong winds could damage trees and cause isolated power outages.

A National Weather Service graphic issued Friday morning shows widespread gusts of roughly 40 to 45 mph across much of the region, with gusts reaching 50 to 55 mph along portions of the New Jersey and Delaware coasts.

Coastal flooding is another concern. Forecasters said flooding is expected to peak during the Saturday morning and/or evening high tide cycles. Drivers should not attempt to travel through flooded roads, while residents in flood-prone areas are being urged not to park vehicles where rising water could reach them.

Rain will also spread across the area. Showers are expected to develop near the coast tonight before expanding inland Saturday. Rain will not fall continuously, but periods of wet weather are forecast through Sunday.

Weather service graphics indicate higher weekend rainfall totals closer to the coast, while areas farther inland are expected to receive less. Forecasters said significant freshwater flooding is not currently expected.

Residents from Philadelphia and Wilmington to Trenton, Atlantic City, Cape May and surrounding communities should monitor updated forecasts, particularly if traveling near the coast Saturday.