Tuesday, July 8, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued an urgent tornado warning for Monmouth and Ocean counties in southern New Jersey, effective until 7:15 p.m., due to a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a radar-indicated tornado.
Severe thunderstorm watch in effect for Monmouth and Ocean
A severe thunderstorm watch is currently in effect for Monmouth and Ocean counties, where a dangerous storm cell was located at 6:41 p.m., about 16 miles west of Toms River, moving east at 20 mph. Radar data confirmed rotation in the Woodruff section of Plumsted.
Areas at risk for potential impact
According to the alert, the following locations are most at risk: Toms River, Lakewood, Jackson, Lakehurst, Cassville, Adelphia, Vista Center, Leisure Village, Six Flags Great Adventure, Pleasant Plains, Cedar Glen West, Freehold Acres, Jacksons Mills, Leisure Village East, West Freehold, Holiday City-Berkeley, Leisure Knoll, and New Egypt. Northeastern Burlington County is also included in the warning area.
Widespread power outages across Ocean and Monmouth counties
Jersey Central Power & Light reported Tuesday night that 12,174 customers in Ocean County—about 5% of the total—were without electricity. The most affected areas include northern and western Ocean County, such as Point Pleasant, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, and Plumsted.
In Monmouth County, there were 842 customers without power (less than 1% of total customers), mainly in western Monmouth, including Colts Neck, Millstone, Manalapan, and Upper Freehold. Outages were also reported in Long Branch, Oceanport, and Ocean Township.
Hazardous conditions: tornado threat, damaging winds, and flash flooding
This active storm system is capable of producing multiple tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. The National Weather Service emphasizes that you should not wait to see or hear the tornado. Take shelter immediately. Torrential rainfall may also cause rapid flash flooding. Do not drive through flooded roads.
People in the warning area are urged to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and stay away from windows. If outdoors, in a vehicle, or in a mobile home, seek substantial shelter immediately.
A severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the region.
