The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for all of New Jersey through 7 p.m. tonight.

The tornado watch was issued around noon, and comes as heavy winds and rain are predicted for South Jersey into the evening hours. As much as 2 1/4 inches of rain could fall by Wednesday morning, with the possibility of more in areas hit by thunderstorms.

A weak tornado touched down in Mount Ephraim earlier this month.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind advisory for the area that will remain in effect until around midnight. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected for the Blackwood area, according to NWS.

A coastal flooding advisory remains in effect till 6 p.m. NWS also warns that flooding could occur in areas with poor drainage.