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UPDATE AT 2 P.M.: Tornado watch issued as strong thunderstorms move across region

A wet, dreary Friday is ahead for New Jersey with heavy rain expected to fall starting this afternoon and the potential for severe thunderstorms, wind gusts up to 60 mph, hail and a chance of isolated tornados, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.

The worst of the storm will hit between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Much of the state should get between a half-inch and 1 inch of rain, and the hail could be the size of a quarter, the weather service said in its Friday morning update.

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Update: The U.S. Storm Prediction Center has revised its severe weather outlook for New Jersey. The threat for severe thunderstorm activity, and an isolated tornado, is now higher than it was earlier in parts of Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland counties (areas shaded in orange on this map). This map was updated at 12:05 p.m. Friday.

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Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms are also possible earlier in the day also as temperatures climb into the mid to upper 60s across New Jersey. The severe thunderstorm threat is greater in South Jersey and western sections of New Jersey than in northern and central areas of the state.

Flooding in urban areas and small stream flooding is also possible, especially along the Interstate 95 corridor. But the threat is not widespread enough to issue a flash flood watch, the weather service said in in its Friday morning forecast discussion.

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"The unsettled weather pattern will mean that residents should keep rain gear handy and prepare for potential disruptions to some outdoor activities," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said. AccuWeather also notes the potential for travel delays on Friday.

Rain should taper off later Friday evening as temps dip into the upper 40s overnight. Saturday should be sunny and dry, but it’ll be cool and with westerly winds of about 20 mph which gust to 30 to 40 mph. Highs will struggle to reach 60 degrees across much of the state and the stiff winds will give the day a chillier feel.

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On Sunday, there’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms on what will be a cloudy day with temperatures getting as high as the mid 60s. The best chance of precipitation is in places north of Interstate 78. Much of South Jersey could remain completely dry, though cloudy conditions are expected.

The return to school on Monday for many students will be a sunny day with temps in the low 60s.

Late April temperatures in New Jersey typically range from the low 40s to the mid 60s, according to AccuWeather.com.

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Current New Jersey radar

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More New York area weather

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More Philadelphia area weather

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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