Be Prepared: NJ Facing a Risk of Severe Weather, Possible Tornadoes Saturday

A vigorous storm system that spawned widespread severe weather across the middle of the country on Friday is pushing toward the east coast on Saturday, bringing a risk of nasty weather to New Jersey.

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NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has placed New Jersey and surrounding states at a slight risk for severe thunderstorms (yellow area highlighted below).

On a numerical scale, the "slight" risk is a level two out of six.

Looking at the Storm Prediction Center's outlook for tornadoes, all of New Jersey has been placed in a 5% risk area.

While 5% is certainly low, it's not zero.

• BE PREPARED: Severe weather safety tips

Forecast

Some showers and heavier downpours along with some gusty winds have moved across the state Saturday morning. Forecasters are saying skies could clear a bit around midday, which will allow temperatures to rise well into the 60s.

By mid day Saturday, a dry slot is expected to push up into our region in the strong flow allowing for clouds to clear and sunshine to return for a few hours. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the lower 70s, except along the immediate coast...

However, the National Weather Service office in Mt. Holly/Philadelphia is quick to point out,

While the sunshine Saturday afternoon may seem like a good sign of improving weather, it will actually only provide a false sense of security.

If skies become sunny and temperatures jump, it will further destabilize the atmosphere, aiding in the development of severe thunderstorms.

an isolated embedded supercell or a tornado or two is certainly possible across the area. Timing of the severe threat remains in the late afternoon to evening hours. The convection is generally expected to arrive into the western portion of the region around 4-5 pm and then push offshore by 9-10 pm.

Better Sunday

Once the severe weather threat passes, Sunday's weather will be much better -- sunny, and breezy, with highs in the lower 50s.