New Jersey Faces Powerful Wind Gusts as Residents Report Widespread Impacts Across the State

Sunday brought fast winds to most of New Jersey. These gusts caused thousands of power outages, scattered damage, and sudden issues. Morning winds were strong until afternoon. Winds over 50 mph hit several towns. Forecasters said these strong gusts formed quickly due to a strong East Coast weather system raising pressure.

Every county had a wind advisory for most of the day. Secure outdoor items and prepare for branches falling or power outages. Evening inland winds calmed. The system’s peak was expected tonight in the Jersey Shore and northeastern New Jersey. The shore and northeastern counties could see stronger gusts until late evening or midnight, forecasters say.

Short wind spikes on Sunday knocked out power to thousands of homes and businesses. All afternoon, state-wide utility crews fixed scattered outages. Storms hit 12,000 customers at peak. Though brief, the winds broke smaller branches and disrupted travel and outdoor activities.

Keansburg, Monmouth County, had one of the strongest morning 50-mph wind bursts. Hardest hit were Mantoloking and Ocean County, which had over 50 mph winds. From northern mountains to southern coastline, mid-40s to near-50 gusts were reported.

All afternoon, strong gusts hit Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties The pattern of strong waves lasting several minutes and returning within an hour was unaffected by timing. Experts say these unpredictable speed changes made driving on highways, bridges, and elevated roads difficult.

As Sunday’s weather system moves away from the coast, meteorologists expect lower overnight winds. Monday’s calm will ease weekend weather. Officials advise watching for debris, fallen branches, and loose structures moved by strong winds.

Windy weather reminded us how quickly New Jersey winter weather can change, especially with strong west or coast systems. Faster late-fall storms are expected. Sunday’s windstorm was caused by storms.

Sources
Information based on National Weather Service reports and statewide wind data.