High Wind in New Jersey, March 19, 1996

High winds developed during the evening of the 19th as a low pressure system intensified across the central Appalachians and its associated occluded front moved through the region. The winds were strong enough to down trees, power lines and large limbs throughout the state.About 91,000 customers throughout New Jersey lost power because of the high winds taking down trees and power lines. Most lost power between 6 p.m. and 730 p.m. with power restored by 11 p.m. But, a few isolated locations had no power for up to 24 hours. The worst damage occurred at 715 p.m. in East Windsor when part of the roof of the Shalom Torah Academy's synagogue and grade school blew away. Warren and Hunterdon Counties had the most widespread damage in the state with damage reported in the following communities: Alpha, Annandale, Califon, Great Meadows, Hampton, Milford, Port Murray, Stockton and Washington. In Phillipsburg the wind was strong enough to bend a pole holding a sign at Stateline Ford. The sign damaged three cars. In Mercer County Princeton reported numerous fallen trees on roads. Hamilton and Hopewell Valley were also hard hit. In Burlington County 13 reports of downed trees were received from Medford, Chesterfield and Springfield. Also, the roof awning of a porch collapsed. In Middlesex County, in North Brunswick nine trees were uprooted and damaged 2 cars. A Woodbridge driver escaped injury when a utility pole broke and shattered the car's windshield. Recorded wind gusts reached 58 mph in Hazlet and 62 mph in Seaside Park.