Severe thunderstorms are part of the potentially dangerous mix of wild weather. (Courtesy of National Weather Service)
The National Weather Service is warning of the possibility of dangerous thunderstorms and high winds hitting the region Monday afternoon and evening.
The forecast also includes the possibility of tornadoes, heavy rainfall and localized flash flooding, especially around Philadelphia and surrounding areas west and southwest of the city.
A tornado watch has been issued for 16 counties in New Jersey, including Atlantic and Cape May counties, until 7 p.m. Monday.
“Confidence in severe weather continues to increase for this afternoon and evening. This event has the potential to produce widespread wind damage over portions of the forecast area, especially from around Philadelphia extending west and southwestward,” the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management said in a statement.
Multiple rounds of showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected to develop Monday afternoon and evening, along with strong southerly winds.
Some of the storms could be severe, but the threat for more widespread significant severe weather will be mainly in the evening as a line of storms moves through from west to east along a strong cold front, according to the forecast.
It is possible that some of the storms could be significant, as defined by wind gusts of at least 75 mph or EF2 tornadoes. Heavy rainfall could also lead to localized flash flooding, the Office of Emergency Management said.
Minor coastal flooding is possible in the afternoon into tonight. A coastal flood advisory is in effect for Ocean County in New Jersey and Sussex County in Delaware.
