Damaging Wind in New Jersey, April 16, 1996

A small line of severe thunderstorms caused wind damage across eastern parts of Ocean County. Hardest hit was the Forked River Beach area of Lacey Township where about 100 homes suffered damage and many dry docked boats were blown off supports. Many windows were damaged, deck railings, shingles and aluminum siding were ripped from homes and sheds were destroyed. A wind gust to 78 mph was recorded at Seaside Park. A gust of 58 mph was recorded at Bay Head. Damage in the county was reported from Bayville southwest to Little Egg Harbor Township. In Barnegat Township, the wind blew over about a dozen dry docked boats including a 5 ton yacht. A 300 pound catamaran was tossed into a pine tree. The line uprooted trees in Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor Township, Manahawkin and on Mystic Island. At least one car was damaged. No serious injuries were reported. About 7,400 homes lost power because of downed trees and power lines, with a large concentration along State Route 72 west of Manahawkin.