Severe thunderstorms could hit Summit on Friday evening, Oct. 16, with damaging wind gusts ahead of a sharp temperature drop.
The National Weather Service placed all 21 New Jersey counties under a slight risk for severe weather, the second of five threat levels, according to NJ.com. The storms are expected to arrive as a narrow squall line moving quickly from west to east.
Statewide, the strongest thunderstorm activity is expected between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to NJ.com. Patch reported the likely window for much of the state is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with coastal areas seeing storms from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
NJ.com reported gusts as high as 60 mph are possible with the thunderstorms. The squall line will probably weaken as it moves east, according to the National Weather Service.
What Summit's forecast shows
The National Weather Service's point forecast for Summit calls for showers and a possible thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Friday, with a high near 75. Routine wind gusts up to 23 mph are forecast during the day, rising to 24 mph Friday night. Those figures do not account for thunderstorm-driven gusts, which could be significantly higher.
Across the state, the weather service projected post-frontal wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph Friday night and Saturday. Forecasters are not ruling out stronger gusts as well, Patch reported.
"Some severe thunderstorms with damaging winds are possible later in the afternoon and evening," the National Weather Service said of Friday's weather, according to Patch.
Cold snap follows
The cold front will drop Friday night's low to around 46 in Summit, according to the point forecast. Statewide, the weather service expects lows in the mid-30s to upper-30s, with parts of North Jersey falling below freezing and a "fairly widespread frost" across most of the state, Patch reported.
Saturday, Oct. 17, will feel nothing like Friday. Summit's forecast calls for a steady temperature around 49 with northwest gusts up to 29 mph. Saturday night's low is expected to hit 35.
No formal frost advisories had been issued as of late Thursday afternoon, Oct. 15, NJ.com reported.
Conditions should improve by Sunday, Oct. 18, with sunny skies and a high near 56 in Summit. The weather service said dry conditions with no significant hazards are expected into the following week.
Power outage preparation
Strong winds and thunderstorms can knock out power. Summit-area residents served by PSE&G can report outages online or by calling 1-800-436-7734. Check the company name on your utility bill to confirm your provider.
