High Wind Warning Forecast for Friday

As a cold front pushes through the Jersey Shore on Friday, winds will pick up in intensity, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, Burlington County, prompting a high wind warning from 2 p.m. to midnight.  

Sustained winds of 40 mph with gusts of up to, and possibly exceeding, 58 mph or more are possible, the NWS bulletin said. The strongest winds may occur between 4 and 7 p.m. It is during this time when there will also be a dramatic decrease in temperature from 10-to-15 degrees within a one-hour period.

Strong thunderstorms, with a slight chance of hail, cannot be ruled out as the storm system barrels by, creating a time period of heavy rain.  The NWS forecasts the threat of thunderstorms will be greatest between noon and 3 p.m.

The winds during the afternoon hours may be even more dramatic than the winds of last Saturday. This may cause numerous instances of broken tree limbs, fallen trees, downed wires, and power outages.

The low-pressure system will pass just west of the New Jersey/Pennsylvania border. Since the region will be on the eastern edge of the low, this should be an all rain event.

Use extreme caution when traveling during the afternoon hours. If you need to walk outdoors during this time period, make sure to avoid paths with heavy tree limbs overhead.  These limbs may snap due to the high winds and cause a danger to the surrounding area.