New Jersey is about to get some drought relief, but not without a cost.
Heavy rain and high winds are expected across the state Thursday as remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole move northward up the Atlantic coast.
Belmar beach right now at 11am is churning pretty good with winds steady at 20mph on the beachfront, to see our live beachfront weather cam click here
Tornado watch issued for parts of NJ
A tornado watch is in effect until 1 p.m. for southern New Jersey counties.
The National Weather Service says 2-4 inches of rain could fall in most of New Jersey, creating the potential for street and small stream flooding.
But the worst part could be the winds. The weather service says gusts of up to 50 mph are possible during the middle of the day. And that means tree limbs and utility lines will come down.
The entire state has been under a drought watch since Sept. 8, with residents being urged to voluntarily conserve water.
From the National Weather Service
Today: Rain likely, then periods of rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 78. Windy, with a south wind 15 to 18 mph increasing to between 23 and 26 mph. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tonight: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 65. Breezy, with a southeast wind between 18 and 22 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
