Some storms could pack winds as strong as 50 to 60 mph, the National Weather Service said.
A line of storms packing heavy rain and strong winds is moving through New Jersey at this hour, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a series of severe thunderstorm warnings for most of the state.
Warnings were posted for southwestern sections of the state early Tuesday afternoon, followed by new warnings for most of central and northern New Jersey.
The warnings are effective through 2 p.m. for Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties. Another warning is effective through 2:45 p.m. for Atlantic, Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. And a warning for Morris and Sussex is active through 3 p.m.
High winds leave thousands without power in N.J.
A thunderstorm moving into northern New Jersey at about 1:30 p.m. could bring winds as strong as 60 mph, the weather service said.
The state Department of Transportation has reported numerous downed trees, utility poles and wires this afternoon.
A flood advisory is in effect for much of the state, through 5:15 p.m., because of the heavy rain combined with the recent snow melt. The weather service is urging motorists not to drive any vehicles on water-covered roads.
Incredible image from AccuTrack radar - tracking some very heavy rain across NY, NJ and PA https://t.co/rtU7jGnoeG pic.twitter.com/tJntI0VXwd
-- Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) February 16, 2016
"The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely," the weather service said in its flood advisory. "Move to higher ground."
A flood advisory means river or stream flows are elevated, or ponding of water in some areas is either occurring now or is imminent.
Staff writer Larry Higgs contributed to this report. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality. Find NJ.com on Facebook.