Damaging Wind in New Jersey, May 31, 1998

The third and most destructive of a series of severe thunderstorms that moved through Sussex County the evening of the 31st caused considerable wind damage, especially in the southern half of the county. Extensive damage occurred within Newton and especially Sparta. About 40 percent of the monetary damage from all the severe thunderstorms that evening occurred within Sparta. Other municipalities reporting wind damage from the latest severe thunderstorm included Andover, Byram and Fredon.In Sparta, widespread wind damage occurred in the township's Lake Mohawk's Alpine Section. A six block area between Andover-Sparta Road and Alpine Trail was hit the hardest. Wind damage also occurred on Summit Road and Valley View Trail. About six hundred trees were uprooted, some 100 feet tall. Several poles were split and homes and vehicles were damaged. In Newton, one quarter of the town lost power. Several homes were damaged and vehicles were crushed by fallen trees. In Byram Township a few homes and vehicles were also damaged by fallen trees. Numerous trees were uprooted in Fredon Township. About 10,000 GPU customers lost power in Morris, Warren and Sussex Counties that evening. Power was not completely restored until June 2nd. The three severe thunderstorms damaged 111 homes in the county, blocked roads and downed numerous power lines. Two school districts were forced to remained closed on Monday June 1st because of power outages. Preliminary damage estimates for the county was $650,000.