The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch across 18 counties in New Jersey with a cold front expected to trigger waves of rain showers and intense thunderstorms Monday afternoon through Monday night. Forecasters say some of the thunderstorms could unleash heavy downpours, small hail and wind gusts that are strong enough to knock down trees and power lines. Some of the downpours could cause rapid flooding. Counties included in the watch, effective until 10 p.m. Monday, are Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mo…
