Officials in Newark are reporting that thunderstorms are predicted today, beginning after 1 p.m., possibly producing gusty winds and heavy rain.
Showers and thunderstorms are also expected tonight with gusty winds and heavy rain, according to officials. Thunderstorms are likely before midnight on Thursday.
Weather officials say streets may be flooded and should be avoided, officials say. Because motorists can become stranded by driving through flooded streets and high water, drivers are asked to avoid the below locations and to use alternative routes.
According to officials, drivers are also discouraged from traveling through any streets that are flooded, have high water or are believed to be flooded.
The following locations should be avoided due to flooding conditions or the potential for flooding:
· Clay Street and McCarter Highway
· South Street and Van Buren Street
· Jefferson and Chestnut Streets
· State Street near Broad Street
· Jabez and Backus Streets
· 357 Wilson Avenue
· Manufacturers Place and Hyatt Street
· Magazine Street and Avenue
· Avenue L and Wilson Avenue
· Ferry and Foundry Streets
· Norfolk Street
· Orange Street
· Nesbitt Street
· McClellan and Frelinghuysen Avenue, and
· Frelinghuysen Avenue and the Route 22 underpass
The Department of Public Safety is coordinating responses to burglar alarms, flooding conditions and other weather-related incidents through the combined use of Police, Fire and Office of Emergency Management Personnel, officials stated.
Special attention should be given to unsecured outdoor furniture, awnings, refuse and building materials, according to officils. For fire safety, please utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to this weather event.
Officials say that excessive heat and humidity are predicted for Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures expected between the mid-90s to 100 degrees along with maximum heat index values between 105 and 110 degrees. The City of Newark’s Cooling Centers and Public Pools are available for residents during this week’s heatwave.