The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued a tornado warning in New Jersey for south central Ocean County and southeastern Burlington County until 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16. The warning covered Tuckerton, Bass River State Forest, Mystic Island and the Garden State Parkway between mile markers 53 and 61.
Scott Williams broke down severe weather happening in southern New Jersey as the storm moved through the warning area. At 8:02 p.m., a severe thunderstorm with radar-indicated rotation was over Bass River State Forest, about 18 miles north of Atlantic City, and moving southeast at 25 mph.
Ocean County and Burlington County
The National Weather Service said the storm was producing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. A 58 mph wind gust was recorded at the North Beach Haven mesonet station at 7:49 p.m., before the storm was located 7 miles southeast of Surf City, or 24 miles northeast of Atlantic City, and moving southeast at 30 mph at 7:59 p.m.
Residents in Tuckerton were told to take cover now and move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. The warning also told people near Great Bay and Little Egg Harbor to get away from the water and seek safe shelter immediately.
National Weather Service warning
"Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely." The National Weather Service also said, "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows."
By late Thursday evening, it was not yet clear whether a tornado had touched down or whether there had been any reports of damage or injuries in the affected areas. The warning left the immediate question on the table for south central Ocean County and southeastern Burlington County: whether the rotation produced a tornado before the alert expired at 8:30 p.m.
