Flood watch in effect for Central Jersey through Thursday evening

Here we go again.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Central Jersey from 7 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday evening.

For the second time in two weeks, Central Jersey is facing the prospect of heavy rains that could cause flooding of rivers, streams and other low-lying locations. Flooding may also occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

According to the National Weather Service, rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2 inches are forecast across the region Wednesday evening and overnight. Some areas could also see locally higher amounts near three inches.

The ground is still saturated from last week's rains and some rivers are still above normal levels, especially in the Passaic River basin in northeastern Somerset County.

The Millstone River at Blackwells Mills between Hillsborough and Franklin, one of the most flood-prone areas in Central Jersey, is expected to crest above flood stage at 6 p.m. Thursday at 9.7 feet, just below the minor flood stage of 10 feet.

The Raritan River at the Van Veghten Bridge between Bridgewater and Manville is forecast to crest at 11.2 feet at noon Thursday below the 14-foot flooding stage.

Earlier: Major flooding and power outages throughout Central Jersey from nor'easter

The heavier rain is expected to start around 4 p.m. Wednesday and end in the hours before dawn Thursday.

Residents and motorists should keep in mind that rivers continue to rise after the rain stops.

Temperatures will remain mild in the first full week of winter in the upper 40s and low 50s.

Rainfall in December has been well above normal in Central Jersey. Rainfall across the region has averaged six inches, more than three inches above normal levels.

Overall for 2023, rainfall totals have been near normal around 53 inches.

And, according to the latest computer models, little or no snowfall is expected through the next two weeks.

And there is no sign of below normal temperatures coming to Central Jersey either.

The National Weather Service is predicting a high of 43 degrees with partly sunny skies on New Year's Day.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Flood watch in effect for Central Jersey through Thursday evening