Red Flag Warning Again

A red flag warning is in effect for Central and Southern New Jersey from noon to 6 p.m.

Another day of increased fire danger is likely with wind gusts of 15 to 20 MPH and low humidity values.



Mid-Week Storm: The NAM and GFS from 06z have shifted northward this morning and we need to see if this trend holds for the 12z. If so, Wednesday Night into early Thursday may have some wet snow, perhaps accumulating in parts of the region.

Red Flag Warning into This Evening

A red flag warning has been issued into early this evening.

Relative humidity will range from 20 to 30 percent.

Wind gusts to around 20-25 MPH.

Fine Fuels below 10 percent.

The two limiting factors is that the ground seems to be relatively moist to me so far, especially across Central New Jersey and the temperatures are fairly cold. However, should a fire begin...it would spread pretty quickly with the wind and lack of moisture in the air.

Damaging Winds Expected This Afternoon-Evening

By mid-afternoon, I expect more than ten-thousand customers without electric service throughout New Jersey. We already have thousands without electric service currently. I could even see 20,000 to 40,000 customers losing electric by early this evening. The latest guidance is showing wind gusts of around 60 knots which is the equivalent of 70 MPH. A high wind warning remains in effect through 9:00 p.m. with a wind advisory for northeastern portions of New Jersey.

Wind gusts of 60-70 MPH could certainly do structural damage to roofs and knock down weak structures such as inflatable buildings. Debris will fly in the roadway if left outside. Whole trees, large branches, and utility lines could also be lying in the road so drive carefully if you intend to travel today. Driving with any vehicle could be difficult and the higher gusts could overturn any high profile vehicle.
A high wind warning implies dangerous windy conditions are likely.

A red flag warning remains in effect for Central and Southern New Jersey. Low humidity and damaging winds will fan any flames and cause any flames to spiral quickly out of control posing a life-threatning situation should a fire start and spread to adjacent structures/people.

Links to monitor power outages:

Jersey Central Power and Light [New Jersey]

Public Service Electric and Gas [Western, Central, and Northern New Jersey]

Atlantic City Electric [South Jersey]

Orange and Rockland [Extreme North Jersey]