Storm Info / Track Welcome to Debby Day. This is going to be an active weather day for New Jersey, with multiple hazards developing through the afternoon and evening hours. Since Debby made landfall as a category one hurricane in northwestern Florida, its reach has been wide-reaching.
Up to 18 inches of rain was reported in Florida, according to the Applied Climate Information System. And there have been 55 tornado reports nationwide since Sunday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. That is why I have no problem calling it a "downpour and tornado machine" — especially since those are New Jersey's two big threats Friday.
As of 5 a.m. Friday, Post-Tropical Cyclone Debby was centered over West Virginia.
It will continue charging north, making its closest pass to New Jersey later Friday, just to our west. There are still two big concerns as Debby's "brunt" kicks in Friday afternoon and evening: Flooding downpours and tornadoes. Some wind, rough surf, and minor coastal flooding are possible too.
Forecast Changes I have made a few minor tweaks to Friday's forecast, based on current trends and the latest model data. That includes: 1.) An earlier arrival time for the brunt of the storm, by a couple hours.
The heaviest rain and thunderstorm chance will kick-in in the middle of the afternoon, lasting through at least early evening. 2.) An overall higher risk of tornadoes.
3.) Stronger winds. Gusts could reach 40 mph (inland) to 50 mph (coast).
4.) A slightly higher risk of coas.