Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage Across New Jersey

On Wednesday, severe thunderstorms that swept through New Jersey left widespread destruction in its path. These violent storms can produce heavy rain, strong winds and hail - sometimes even tornadoes!

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer Middlesex Monmouth Ocean Salem Somerset and Sussex counties until 10 p.m. today (Thursday).

South Jersey

On Saturday evening, severe storms caused widespread destruction across New Jersey after a tornado warning was issued. The National Weather Service received numerous reports of tornadoes in the area and is currently assessing whether any actually touched down.

Tuesday afternoon, one of Mercer County's most devastating twisters struck Quaker Bridge Mall area and destroyed homes and businesses alike - including a Chase bank and an ice cream parlor. The storm was classified as an EF-2 with winds reaching 115 mph.

Last Tuesday afternoon, another tornado struck Lawrence Township. Police chief Christopher Longo shared footage from the township's emergency communications center showing large trees uprooted, power lines destroyed and a house in Lawrence Square Village housing development reduced to rubble. Many people were displaced from their homes; several properties became uninhabitable.

Sussex County experienced at least one death from a home that collapsed during the storm. There was also extensive wind and hail damage throughout the region, with video from Bridgeville showing a small tornado sweeping along the ground.

Storms also caused sporadic power outages in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. According to the Bucks County Department of Public Works, 87 outages were reported there, impacting more than 10,000 customers.

Storms such as these serve to remind us that global warming is causing extreme weather events across America. As climate change continues to alter our coastlines, exacerbate drought and heat waves, and increase smog in many cities, New Jersey must take proactive measures to safeguard itself and its citizens from the worst effects of a changing world.

Central Jersey

After receiving a tornado warning, severe storms have lashed New Jersey with power outages, downed trees and downed power lines causing extensive destruction throughout Central Jersey.

Storm damage was widespread across Mercer County and Middlesex County, including homes and businesses that were either destroyed or severely damaged. Furthermore, flooding occurred in low-lying areas as a result of the storms.

Storms also brought strong winds, lightning and hail. Many counties in South Jersey are currently without power.

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are possible across New Jersey today. The agency has issued tornado warnings for Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Additionally, the NWS has issued a statewide weather alert for severe thunderstorms with wind speeds of 70 miles per hour predicted. These storms are forecast to move eastward through the evening.

As temperatures warm, storms are likely to become more active. Lingering showers and distant thunderclaps are expected, with peak storm activity and intensity occurring after 9 or 10 p.m.

No matter the disagreement between North and South Jersey over whether Central New Jersey should be considered a region, those who call it home feel strongly about its existence.

North Jersey

Tuesday afternoon, a tornado devastated Mercer County, damaging homes and businesses alike. This is the first February tornado recorded for Mercer County and only the fifth such twister in New Jersey since 1999, according to weather officials.

At 3:41 p.m. EST, a storm surge swept into the area and destroyed some homes while leaving others in disarray. Authorities reported extensive damage throughout Lawrence Township, Hamilton Township and its surrounding areas.

One family in Howell Township, Monmouth County is still trying to make sense of the destruction. A massive tree fell right before their home and another came down next to it, knocking down a vehicle parked in the driveway and the roof of their house. Although both residents are safe, they couldn't believe how bad things had turned out when they looked outside for help.

Forecasters predict severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado will hit the Garden State Monday evening into Tuesday morning. Rain could turn to snow in some areas of northern New Jersey, with some areas receiving up to 9 inches of precipitation, according to NWS Meteorologist James Tomasini.

Tornadoes can cause severe damage and even death, so it's essential to stay safe when a tornado warning is issued. If one is coming your way, go immediately to shelter and follow any instructions from the National Weather Service.

Atlantic County

On Tuesday morning in Atlantic County, a powerful storm passed through the area and caused extensive destruction to homes and businesses. Weather reports indicate there are now numerous downed trees and power lines throughout the region, leaving many people without power or gas for their homes.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service is forecasting rain and winds of more than 70 mph across much of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Additionally, The Storm Prediction Center has placed all four states at a slight risk for tornadoes; meaning there's an eminent possibility these storms could form and cause widespread destruction.

This same storm system produced several tornadoes in Philadelphia this week, following the remnants of Hurricane Ida that hit the region late Wednesday afternoon. As a result, many videos showing funnel clouds and damaged structures were posted online.

Storms across the region caused flooding and road closures, as well as debris and downed trees. This necessitated extensive cleanup efforts in places like Mullica Hill where many homes were destroyed by the storm.

After these storms, many residents in need of assistance have been left behind. To meet those needs, the state opened shelters for those who were homeless and also provided food banks and other forms of relief.

Ocean County

This week, severe storms caused widespread destruction across New Jersey after a tornado warning was issued for parts of the state. Heavy rainfall and hail brought about multiple tornadoes as these powerful winds torched vegetation in their path.

On Tuesday morning, a tornado struck Mercer County, New Jersey - the first one since 1999 and fifth since 1950. The tornado caused extensive damage with trees uprooted and homes destroyed.

Residents of Mercer County, New Jersey - a suburban area located centrally - have been left without power. Additionally, the wind and rain have made it difficult to locate fuel, hindering businesses from delivering goods.

The damage was so extensive that the county estimated more than 100 people had been displaced. Its Lawrence Square Village neighborhood was particularly hard-hit by the storm, which also destroyed much of Mercer Oaks golf course.

Though the damage was immense, Ocean County remains strong and resilient. Neighbors have come together to lend a helping hand, helping each other out wherever possible.

Ocean County continues to be affected by the storms, including High Bar Harbor, Toms River and Point Pleasant Beach. As the storm moves away from the area, cleanup efforts will commence.

The storm served as a reminder that even in remote New Jersey, weather patterns can be unpredictable. That's why it's essential to be aware of severe weather warnings and alerts for your area. The National Weather Service provides numerous severe weather alerts across the state so you can stay safe when conditions turn harsh.

Warren County

On Saturday morning, severe storms swept through New Jersey and caused massive destruction. Hundreds of homes were damaged due to high winds and hailstorms, costing millions in repairs.

West Windsor was hit hard by the storm, leaving many homes damaged. Two trees fell on one house, leaving it without power and with much of its roof and siding torn off. There was also heavy wind and lightning.

Many roads remained shut down and people sought refuge in their cars. The National Weather Service was still searching for where tornadoes may have touched down, though it appears most likely in the western part of the county.

At 11:30 p.m., PSE&G reported approximately 3,611 customers without power and Jersey Central Power & Light had 18,490 without it as well.

Storms caused a State of Emergency for the area and issued a tornado warning from the National Weather Service. Furthermore, severe flooding ensued, with several roads becoming submerged in flood waters.

The National Weather Service is forecasting more damaging weather over the next few days as a low pressure system lingers in the area. This could bring rain, sleet and snow to our shores; hopefully these storms stay away this time around but it is always important to monitor the forecast.