New Jersey residents are preparing for potentially powerful thunderstorms Friday, with forecasters warning that damaging wind gusts could sweep across the state as a cold front moves through the region.

The National Weather Service issued an NJ severe thunderstorm watch covering all 21 counties, warning that storms developing in eastern Pennsylvania could intensify before pushing into the Garden State late Friday afternoon and evening.

The watch, which signals that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms but is less urgent than a warning, was issued shortly before 4 p.m. and remains in effect until 10 p.m. Friday. The alert also covers the New York City metropolitan region through 10 p.m.

A separate severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Philadelphia and most of eastern Pennsylvania, where the alert is scheduled to expire at 8 p.m.

Damaging Winds Could Reach 70 MPH

Forecasters expect a narrow line of thunderstorms to sweep from west to east, potentially bringing powerful gusts capable of toppling trees, damaging property and bringing down power lines.

The National Weather Service said the greatest wind threat could develop along a fast-moving squall line crossing the region.

“The main wind risk with thunderstorms may be associated with a narrow squall line that quickly crosses the region from west to east,” the agency said.

Some storms could produce wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and anyone outdoors. Even a brief burst of severe wind can turn loose outdoor objects into projectiles and leave neighborhoods dealing with fallen branches or power outages.

Although forecasters said a few of the strongest storms could produce an isolated tornado, the overall tornado threat was considered very low across most of New Jersey.

Storms Expected to Move Across New Jersey Friday

The timing of the storms will vary by location, with northwestern communities expected to see the first activity before the line moves toward more densely populated areas and southern counties.

The anticipated schedule is:

• Northwestern New Jersey: Storms could arrive between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Interstate 95 corridor: The line is expected between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Southern New Jersey: Thunderstorms could move through between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

These time frames are forecasts, and conditions may change as the weather system develops and advances across the state.

Residents should remain alert for updated forecasts and any warnings issued as the storms approach. A watch means severe weather is possible; a warning indicates that dangerous conditions are occurring or expected imminently in the affected area.

Strong Winds Will Continue After the Storms

The threat will not necessarily end when the thunderstorms move away. The cold front is expected to leave New Jersey dealing with strong winds Friday night and into Saturday.

The weather service said land-based wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph were probable in the aftermath of the front. While below the strongest gusts possible during the thunderstorms, these winds could still make outdoor conditions uncomfortable and aggravate damage caused by any earlier storms.

Saturday is expected to bring a sharp change in how the state feels, with blustery conditions and temperatures struggling to climb out of the low 50s across much of New Jersey.

The shift from thunderstorms to chilly weather could make for a turbulent 24 hours, as residents move from monitoring severe-weather alerts to preparing for a sudden drop in temperatures.

Frost Threatens New Jersey by Sunday Morning

Colder air following the front is expected to push temperatures sharply lower overnight Saturday into Sunday.

Forecasters expect temperatures in far northern New Jersey to fall below freezing by dawn Sunday. Inland areas of central and southern New Jersey are forecast to reach the mid-30s.

Widespread frost is likely, raising concerns for gardens, sensitive plants and other vegetation exposed to the overnight cold.

The approaching weather system therefore brings a double challenge: severe thunderstorms and potentially damaging winds first, followed by a chilly weekend and an early-morning frost threat.

Residents across the state should monitor National Weather Service updates, secure loose outdoor items and take shelter if warnings are issued. With storm timing differing from one county to another, staying informed will be especially important as Friday’s weather moves across New Jersey.