Storm Could Produce 50-MPH Winds Wednesday Night

Temperatures approached pleasant, spring-like degrees Wednesday afternoon as officials warned of a potentially-dangerous storm that could pack a wallop through the night.

The Morris County County Office of Emergency Management issued a statement shortly after 4 p.m. calling for residents to be cautious as "a complex storm system ... is expected to approach us over the next 12-18 hours," said county OEM director Jeffrey Paul.

The main threat for flooding and damaging winds is expected in the evening, according to forecasts, Paul said. The storm, as of Wednesday afternoon, was still in the central Pennsylvania area and may weaken before it reaches Morris County, "but it still could produce rain showers toward sunset and gusty winds," he said.

A cold front is expected to move through around or just after midnight. On its heels, a widespread area of heavy rain will likely be accompanied by possibly damaging winds in excess of 50 miles per hour, Paul said.

"The area of time that we are mostly concerned with based on data we have reviewed is between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.," he said. It is anticipated that the increased winds will follow into tomorrow, Paul said.

He encouraged municipalities to be proactive and advise residents to secure light-weight outdoor objects such as patio furniture, garbage cans and other items which may be vulnerable to increased winds.