Why it's trending
The phrase 'severe thunderstorm watch' is trending because Monday night's powerful storms caused significant damage across New Jersey, including flash flooding, hail, and lightning-sparked fires, leading to widespread power outages and water rescues. As residents clean up and more storms are possible Tuesday, searches for the watch definition and current alerts have spiked.
A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect Monday night as a line of powerful storms moved through New Jersey, bringing heavy rain, flash flooding, hail, and lightning. The storms overwhelmed roadways in several towns, trapping drivers and prompting dozens of water rescues. In Hawthorne, Route 208 was submerged, and the fire department responded to 17 water rescues. In River Edge, five people were rescued from vehicles caught in floodwaters, according to ABC7 New York.
The storms also caused property damage: lightning struck a building in Ridgewood, traveling to the basement and blowing out the electric meter, sparking a two-alarm fire. Hail was reported in Franklin Lakes and Edison. Power outages affected thousands, as tracked by NJ.com's outage map. New Jersey Transit service on the Pascack Valley Line was temporarily suspended after a tree fell across tracks near Westwood Station.
While the most intense storms have moved out, forecasters say additional showers and thunderstorms remain possible Tuesday, meaning isolated flooding and scattered power outages could still develop. Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways. The severe thunderstorm watch served as an early warning for these events, and its relevance now lies in the ongoing cleanup and the potential for more severe weather.
A severe thunderstorm watch differs from a warning: a watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, while a warning means a storm is imminent or occurring. Monday's events underscore the importance of heeding these alerts, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. Residents should stay informed via weather apps and local news for updates on additional threats.
Timeline
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued
The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of New Jersey, alerting residents to potential severe storms.
- Storms Hit New Jersey
Powerful storms bring heavy rain, flash flooding, hail, and lightning to several counties. Hawthorne: 17 water rescues on Route 208. River Edge: 5 people rescued. Ridgewood: lightning strike causes two-alarm fire. Thousands lose power.
- NJ Transit Suspended
Pascack Valley Line suspended after a tree falls on tracks near Westwood Station. Service later restored.
- Cleanup Underway
Communities across New Jersey begin cleanup. Forecasters warn of additional storms possible, with isolated flooding and power outages.
Questions people ask
What is a severe thunderstorm watch?
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to develop. It covers a broad area and alerts the public to be prepared, but does not mean a storm is imminent. In contrast, a warning means a severe storm is occurring or about to occur.
Why were there so many water rescues in New Jersey?
Monday night's storms produced intense rainfall that rapidly flooded roadways, especially in low-lying areas like Hawthorne and River Edge. The Hawthorne Fire Department conducted 17 water rescues, and another 5 in River Edge, as drivers became stranded in rising waters.
Is the severe thunderstorm watch still in effect?
As of Tuesday, July 28, the severe thunderstorm watch has expired for most areas. However, forecasters say additional thunderstorms remain possible, so residents should stay alert.
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