By Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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The last day of March will be an extremely rainy and somewhat chilly one in much of New Jersey with flood watches and coastal flood advisories issued for more than half the state.



While rain is only falling across parts of the state as of 6:30 a.m., the National Weather Service expects a low pressure system to bring two to three inches to much of New Jersey on Friday. Localized amounts of up to four inches are possible with the heaviest rain likely to fall this afternoon and evening as the precipitation moves from southwest to northeast.

UPDATE: Heavy rain continues to drench N.J., sparking flooding concerns

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Flood watches and advisories

A flood watch applies to Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset and Warren. It's in effect from noon Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday.



In addition to localized street flooding in areas with poor drainage, some flooding is possible in streams and creeks, the weather service says.



A coastal flood advisory applies to Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday. Minor flooding around high tiding is expected and some beach erosion is possible.



The coastal flood advisory for eastern Essex and Hudson is in effect from 11 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday.

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Weekend outlook

Temperatures will only make it as high as the mid to upper 40s on Friday and breezy conditions along the Shore will make it feel colder there.



Rain should continue through the overnight before finally tapering off by later Saturday morning. Lingering showers are possible Saturday morning, especially in north and Central Jersey.



Skies will gradually clear and the sun could even appear in the afternoon as temperatures rise into the upper 40s and low 50s.



It'll be mostly cloudy with temps in the 30s Saturday night.



On Sunday, forecasters say we'll have sunny skies with highs in the mid to upper 50s.

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More New York City area weather

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More Philadelphia area weather

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More N.J. weather news

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Here is the forecast rainfall over the region thru midday Saturday. Going to be pretty heavy rain for some folks. pic.twitter.com/soG96ZZ976 — Gary Szatkowski (@GarySzatkowski) March 30, 2017

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Weather photo of the day - Last night's sunset

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And here is forecast for the Delaware River at Riegelsville. pic.twitter.com/RYDmVZXla9 — Gary Szatkowski (@GarySzatkowski) March 30, 2017

Forecast for the Delaware River

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Russ DeSantis/For NJ.com

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