Alert archive / New Jersey / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Warning 321, NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly
NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Aug 20, 2026, 7:10 PM EDT for Atlantic County, Cape May County, Cumberland County, New Jersey. It was in force for 50 min. 4 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Aug 20, 2026, 7:10 PM EDT (23:10 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 20, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT
- In force
- 50 min
- Issued by
- NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Possible
- Hail
- 0.75 in
- Wind
- 60.0 mph
Counties Atlantic County, NJ, Cape May County, NJ, Cumberland County, NJ
The radar
The Dover AFB radar (KDOX), 75 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:12 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.
Open the radar archive at this moment
The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 7:14 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 N Belleplain, NJ | Report of a tree down at the 47 mile post of Route 49 in Estell Manor. Time estimated from radar. |
| Aug 20, 7:16 PM EDT | TSTM WND GST 67 | 1 Se Villas, NJ | AWOS station KWWD Wildwood. |
| Aug 20, 7:16 PM EDT | MARINE TSTM WIND 67 | 1 Se Villas, NJ | AWOS station KWWD Wildwood. |
| Aug 20, 7:28 PM EDT | TSTM WND DMG | 3 N Corbin City, NJ | Report of wires down near 11th Avenue and Route 50. Report received around 9 PM, and thus is unlikely to have been associated with the earlier tornado nearby. Time estimated from radar. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow matched 3 storm reports to this severe thunderstorm warning; the first came 4 minutes after it went out.
Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.
The watch it was issued in
The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.
| Issued | Product | Office | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2:31 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Watch | SPC | 7 hr |
| Aug 20, 2:58 PM EDT | Tornado Watch | SPC | 7 hr |
The nearest sounding before it
Washington/Dulle, VA (KIAD), launched 12:00Z, 11.2 hours before the alert went out and 233 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 97 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -72 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 1192 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 47 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 115 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 230 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- -0.0
- Supercell composite
- -0.0
The text
As transmitted.
824
WUUS51 KPHI 202310
SVRPHI
NJC001-009-011-210000-
/O.NEW.KPHI.SV.W.0321.260820T2310Z-260821T0000Z/
BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
Issued by National Weather Service New York NY
710 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Southern Atlantic County in southern New Jersey...
Southeastern Cumberland County in southern New Jersey...
Cape May County in southern New Jersey...
* Until 800 PM EDT.
* At 710 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Estell Manor to 6 miles northeast of Cape
Henlopen State Park, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.
* Locations impacted include...
Atlantic City, Ocean City, Cape May, Pleasantville, Somers Point,
Ventnor City, Brigantine, Northfield, Absecon, Margate City, North
Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Woodbine, Sea Isle City, and Estell
Manor.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for southern New
Jersey.
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for southern New
Jersey.
&&
LAT...LON 3935 7441 3929 7454 3920 7463 3898 7478
3893 7486 3893 7498 3913 7491 3916 7493
3919 7504 3943 7483 3942 7434
TIME...MOT...LOC 2310Z 277DEG 27KT 3939 7479 3888 7503
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
DeSilva2 follow-up statements
477
WWUS51 KPHI 202333
SVSPHI
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
Issued by National Weather Service New York NY
733 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
NJC011-202342-
/O.CAN.KPHI.SV.W.0321.000000T0000Z-260821T0000Z/
Cumberland NJ-
733 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN CUMBERLAND COUNTY
IS CANCELLED...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the warned
area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for southern New
Jersey.
LAT...LON 3935 7442 3929 7454 3920 7463 3905 7473
3909 7481 3943 7467 3942 7435
TIME...MOT...LOC 2332Z 269DEG 29KT 3937 7458 3886 7482
$$
NJC001-009-210000-
/O.CON.KPHI.SV.W.0321.000000T0000Z-260821T0000Z/
Atlantic NJ-Cape May NJ-
733 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT
FOR SOUTHEASTERN ATLANTIC AND NORTHEASTERN CAPE MAY COUNTIES...
At 732 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Northfield to 6 miles south of Diamond Beach, moving
east at 35 mph.
HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.
Locations impacted include...
Atlantic City, Ocean City, Pleasantville, Somers Point, Ventnor City,
Brigantine, Northfield, Absecon, Margate City, Sea Isle City, Estell
Manor, Avalon, Longport, Stone Harbor, and Corbin City.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for southern New
Jersey.
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.
&&
LAT...LON 3935 7442 3929 7454 3920 7463 3905 7473
3909 7481 3943 7467 3942 7435
TIME...MOT...LOC 2332Z 269DEG 29KT 3937 7458 3886 7482
TORNADO...POSSIBLE
HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH
$$
DeSilva971
WWUS51 KPHI 202350
SVSPHI
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
Issued by National Weather Service New York NY
750 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
NJC001-009-210000-
/O.EXP.KPHI.SV.W.0321.000000T0000Z-260821T0000Z/
Atlantic NJ-Cape May NJ-
750 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN ATLANTIC AND
NORTHEASTERN CAPE MAY COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 800 PM EDT...
The storms which prompted the warning have moved out of the area.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for southern New
Jersey.
LAT...LON 3935 7442 3929 7454 3920 7463 3905 7473
3909 7481 3943 7467 3942 7435
TIME...MOT...LOC 2350Z 270DEG 27KT 3936 7443 3885 7467
$$
DeSilvaWhat forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Aug 20, 4:23 PM EDT, 2 hours 47 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
- 1. A cold front will cross the region this evening, resulting in widespread showers and thunderstorms. Flash flooding, damaging wind gusts and tornadoes are possible later today. 2. Conditions look to remain unsettled through the weekend, with daily chances of showers and storms each day. 3. Fair weather is expected to return for early next week.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 20, 4:23 PM EDT, 2 hours 47 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
423 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches now in effect for most
of the forecast area.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1. A cold front will cross the region this evening, resulting
in widespread showers and thunderstorms. Flash flooding,
damaging wind gusts and tornadoes are possible later today.
2. Conditions look to remain unsettled through the
weekend, with daily chances of showers and storms each day.
3. Fair weather is expected to return for early next week.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Broad troughing will be the main driving force
in the sensible weather into the early to middle part of next
week across much of the Eastern Seaboard. A shortwave will round
the base of the trough today into this evening providing some
mid level synoptic forcing. At the surface a warm front has
lifted north into the Philadelphia metro area with a cold front
approaching from the west.
The trend for increasing QPF and increasing severe weather
potential is being realized this afternoon. Severe thunderstorm,
tornado, and flood watches are in effect for most of the
forecast area.
Mesoanalysis fields this afternoon show moderate to strong
instability centered roughly around the Delmarva peninsula, but
extending north into southern NJ and southeast PA. Deep layer
shear of 40-60kt along with backed low level flow and strongly
curved hodographs will support a tornado risk, most notably from
the Philadelphia metro area and points south. Primary mode at
the moment is supercellular with all attendant risks, but more
multicell clusters may become the primary mode along the cold
front.
The other threat this evening is the potential for flash
flooding. Guidance shows very moisture rich airmass surging into
the region with PWAT values raching 2-2.5 inches. Warm cloud
depths suggest warm rain processes and high precipitation
efficiency into this evening and WPC has introduced a moderate
risk of execessive reainfall from Philadelphia north and east.
In general, expecting anywhere between 1 to 2 inches of rain to
fall, with localized higher amounts up to 3 to 5 inches.
The severe and flooding rain threat will diminish by the late
evening and overnight hours.
KEY MESSAGE 2...Conditions look to remain unsettled through the
weekend, with daily chances of showers and storms each day.
Mid to long range NWP and AI guidance suggests that the pattern
could become unsettled Friday night and into the weekend.
The cold front crossing the area tonight will stall in the
offshore waters. waves of low pressure will ride along the
stalled front resulting in unsettled weather through the
weekend. The main periods to watch are early Saturday through
Saturday evening, with periods of rain increasingly likely, and
again on Sunday. The severe threat appears low at this time but
there could be additional flooding concerns, although no day
has more than a Marginal (1/5) Risk for excessive rainfall.
Temperatures will be seasonable, but humidity will be
uncomfortable.
KEY MESSAGE 3...Fair weather is expected to return for early
next week.
Weak high pressure looks to bring quieter and drier weather in
the early part of the week, with more unsettled conditions
expected later in the week with seasonable temperatures.
&&
.AVIATION /19Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG,
KILG, KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.
Today...Widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely at all
locations this afternoon and evening. Any storms will be
capable of producing very heavy rainfall and LIFR conditions.
Winds will vary depending on location, with northern terminals
experiencing northeast winds 5 to 10 kt where southern
terminals will encounter southeasterly winds around 10 kt. Winds
will be gusty and erratic near any storm. Bulk of the shower and
storm activity ending around 01-02z. Moderate confidence
overall, but low confidence on exact timing details.
Tonight...Sub-VFR conditions probable at times with showers and
thunderstorms continuing into the evening hours. Fog and/or low
stratus possible at night after the precipitation moves out.
Conditions should lift back to VFR near or not long after
daybreak. North/northeast winds around 5 to 10 kt. Moderate
confidence.
Outlook...
Friday through Friday night...Primarily VFR.
Saturday through Sunday...Periods of VFR and sub-VFR at times.
Restrictions expected with daily chances for showers and
thunderstorms.
Monday...VFR. No significant weather expected.
&&
.MARINE...
A cold front will move through tonight, with winds becoming
more north/northeasterly around 10-15 kt. Seas of 2 to 3 feet.
Showers and thunderstorms expected on the waters this evening
into tonight.
Outlook...
Friday through Monday...No marine headlines expected. Showers
and thunderstorms possible during the day Friday through
Sunday.
&&
.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for PAZ054-055-060>062-070-
071-101>106.
NJ...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for NJZ001-007>010-012>022-
025>027.
DE...Flood Watch until 2 AM EDT Friday for DEZ001.
MD...None.
MARINE...None.
&&
DISCUSSION...Manning
AVIATION...Manning
MARINE...ManningHazardous weather outlook, Aug 20, 5:12 AM EDT, 13 hours 58 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 512 AM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026 MDZ012-015-019-020-210915- Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline- 512 AM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Numerous thunderstorms are expected between about 2 PM and 8 PM. These storms may contain damaging wind gusts and potentially a couple of tornadoes over the Eastern Shore. Storms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall, with rainfall rates of 2 to 4" per hour possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not expected at this time. Hoeflich
In the hours before
Local storm report, Aug 20, 6:34 PM EDT, 36 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
634 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0530 PM Flash Flood 1 NNE Cardiff 39.43N 74.58W
08/20/2026 Atlantic NJ Public
Several inches of water on AC Expressway
near mile marker 8.9. One lane impassable.
&&
MJLLocal storm report, Aug 20, 6:46 PM EDT, 24 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
646 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0615 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Dover 39.16N 75.53W
08/20/2026 Kent DE 911 Call Center
Significant structural damage to the Kraft
Food Facility. Tornado possible. Time
estimated from radar.
&&
PFLocal storm report, Aug 20, 6:55 PM EDT, 15 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
655 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0610 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Marydel 39.11N 75.74W
08/20/2026 Kent DE Public
Downed tree, took down power pole and wires
IAO 1900 blk of Busic Church Rd; time
estimated from radar.
&&
PFLocal storm report, Aug 20, 7:00 PM EDT, 10 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
700 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0610 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Dover 39.16N 75.52W
08/20/2026 Kent DE Trained Spotter
Lots of branches of different sizes, some
over 2 foot diameter, down on multiple roads
in the area. Time estimated from radar.
&&
PFLocal storm report, Aug 20, 7:01 PM EDT, 9 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
701 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0530 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 NNW West Pottsgrove T 40.28N 75.68W
08/20/2026 Berks PA Public
Tree down near Rattlesnake Hill Rd &
Manatawny Dr. Time estimated by radar.
&&
MJLLocal storm report, Aug 20, 7:07 PM EDT, 3 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
707 PM EDT Thu Aug 20 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0506 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 SE Kenhorst 40.29N 75.92W
08/20/2026 Berks PA County Official
Tree on Wires - Down on a residence. Time
estimated by radar.
&&
MJLThe office that day
Everything else NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2:04 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 86 min | |
| Aug 20, 3:26 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 94 min | |
| Aug 20, 4:38 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | PHI | Atlantic | 37 min |
| Aug 20, 4:41 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PHI | Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland | 4 hr |
| Aug 20, 5:13 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 92 min | |
| Aug 20, 5:14 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 91 min | |
| Aug 20, 5:24 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PHI | Atlantic | 4 hr |
| Aug 20, 5:27 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PHI | Gloucester, Salem | 48 min |
| Aug 20, 5:36 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 84 min | |
| Aug 20, 5:39 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PHI | Camden, Gloucester, Salem | 4 hr |
| Aug 20, 6:09 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PHI | Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem | 51 min |
| Aug 20, 6:13 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PHI | Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem | 47 min |
| Aug 20, 6:15 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 60 min | |
| Aug 20, 6:26 PM EDT | Flash Flood Warning | PHI | Mercer | 4 hr |
| Aug 20, 6:30 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 90 min | |
| Aug 20, 6:38 PM EDT | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | PHI | Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland | 37 min |
| Aug 20, 6:44 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 61 min | |
| Aug 20, 7:01 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | PHI | Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland | 29 min |
| Aug 20, 7:08 PM EDT | Tornado Warning | PHI | Cape May | 22 min |
| Aug 20, 7:37 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 2 hr | |
| Aug 20, 7:43 PM EDT | Special Marine Warning | PHI | 2 hr |
Nearby
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in New Jersey, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026
Sources
The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.