By: Richard L. Smith
State and local emergency officials are on alert today as more heavy rainfall and flash flooding threaten parts of North Jersey, just days after a devastating storm prompted a state of emergency and claimed two lives in Plainfield.
As of 4:30 a.m., downtown Newark was already experiencing warm and humid conditions, with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees under cloudy skies.
The National Weather Service has forecast another round of scattered thunderstorms and intense heat that could bring renewed flooding concerns to the region.
Although today's storms are not expected to be as severe as Monday's deluge, the risk remains high due to already saturated ground conditions.
Officials are warning residents in flood-prone areas to remain cautious, especially during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service:
Today: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values could climb as high as 99.
Tonight: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, avoid flooded roadways, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses as New Jersey braces for another potentially dangerous day of summer weather.