TOMS RIVER, NJ — A strong cold front will sweep across the region Sunday night, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, and the potential for severe thunderstorms, according to meteorologists.
The system will be preceded by strong southerly winds, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph over land and up to 40 knots over coastal waters. Some thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
Forecasters warn that a line of heavy showers accompanying the front may develop with little or no lightning but could still bring hazardous wind conditions. Rainfall rates may exceed one inch per hour in some areas.
Wind speeds are expected to peak from Sunday afternoon into early evening, with the heaviest rain and strongest storms occurring Sunday night.
Authorities caution that strong winds and severe thunderstorms could bring down trees and power lines, while urban flooding is possible in areas experiencing heavy rainfall.