N.J. weather: Severe thunderstorm watch issued in 10 counties. Up to 70 mph winds possible.

With heavy rain in the forecast and wind gusts of up to 60 mph possible, the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for 10 counties in central and southern New Jersey.

The watch took effect at 12:45 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. Wednesday, covering the counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem.

Isolated thunderstorms and rain showers are expected in parts of New Jersey starting Wednesday afternoon and might last though the evening as a warm front pushes across the state.

Forecasters expect the rain to move offshore Wednesday night.

However, New Jersey faces another threat of severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening, when a strong cold front is expected to clash with hot and humid…