Hurricane Melissa continues to garner all the weather headlines and rightfully so, being it is the strongest hurricane to ever impact Jamaica. The reconstruction of the island will take years.

New Jersey's forecast is wet and wild, just not as dramatic as what the Caribbean is dealing with.

Rain sweeps up from the south through the overnight. It will be here to greet us for the morning drive to work and school. The morning commute looks quite precarious. It is wise to give yourself a lot of extra time in the morning routine to deal with delays.

Showers and storms will continue throughout Thursday. Gusty winds will drive the rain sideways. Those same winds will continue to strip leaves from trees and bring down dead or older branches. This autumn rubbish will quickly clog sewers and drains. Water will fan further into the streets. Localized flooding will be an issue.

While the rain will linger until the evening drive home, the intensity and duration won't be as dreadful. The rain spickets will eventually turn off by 8-9 p.m. and the gusty winds will switch directions.

Halloween will be very windy and feel much colder as a result. Extra layers are likely needed for the little ones. The breeze continues through Saturday.