1/24 AM All Zones: Coastal storm offshore, rain lingers

A surface low pressure system, associated with a strong mid and upper level disturbance in the atmosphere, is still off the coast of New Jersey this morning. The storm will linger through early this afternoon as it continues to weaken and shift east/northeast away from the area. Moisture and lift associated with the storm have weakened considerably, but still exist near the area.

Accordingly, bands of rain are continuing to shift into the area, moving east to west from the Atlantic Ocean. These bands will be capable of producing periods of rain throughout the early afternoon hours. In the interior and higher elevations, colder temperatures may allow for periods of sleet or freezing rain which may cause slick roadways.

Surface low pressure off the NJ Coast producing showers in the area today.

Surface low pressure off the NJ Coast producing showers in the area today.

The coastal flooding threat will continue near the area shores, despite lightening east/northeast winds. High tide cycles with the low pressure system just offshore could cause additional coastal flooding both near the oceanside and the areas back bays. This problem may be exacerbated by a slightly strengthening northeast wind later this afternoon.

Elsewhere, showers and clouds will linger throughout a day that will be best characterized as dreary. The low pressure area won’t exactly be quick to move away — and the presence of lingering moisture will limit any clearing through tonight. Additional precipitation accumulation is expected essentially through tonight as scattered showers continue area-wide.

Improving conditions are expected later tonight. Another frontal boundary associated with a shortwave trough will move through the region Wednesday night and Thursday with some showers likely for all zones. Temperatures will remain above normal into Thursday, before colder air arrives by Friday with more seasonable temperatures.

Zone update written by Miguel Pierre and John Homenuk.