New Jersey, 2020

Tornadoes and Tropical Storm in New Jersey, August 4, 2020

August 4, 2020 · NWS PHI · 31 events in 23 counties and zones

Tropical Storm Isaias brought high winds, heavy rain, several tornadoes, and coastal flooding to the mid-Atlantic region, becoming the most impactful tropical cyclone to impact most of the region since Sandy in 2012.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 23 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
31

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.

Tropical Storm Isaias brought high winds, heavy rain, several tornadoes, and coastal flooding to the mid-Atlantic region, becoming the most impactful tropical cyclone to impact most of the region since Sandy in 2012.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Aug 4, 5:59 AM EST, 2 hours 1 minute earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 4, 5:59 AM EST, 2 hours 1 minute before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
659 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

.SYNOPSIS...
Tropical Cyclone Isaias is expected to move north and reach the
Mid Atlantic later Tuesday. Isaias will move toward New England
by Wednesday. High pressure will build in to our north later
this week into this weekend while a weak front lingers to our
south.
&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...

***Significant Impacts Expected From Isaias***

***Tornado Watch In effect For Delmarva and Parts of Southern NJ***

As of 700 AM, Isaias located over eastern Virginia with showers
and embedded storms streaming north through the area well ahead
of the main system. Lift across the area is being aided by a
strengthening upper jet over western PA / NY as the area is in
the favorable right entrance region. There is also low level
convergence associated with a lingering weak front across the
area. The upshot of all this is that heavy showers with embedded
storms have ramped up already with the threat for flash
flooding and and severe weather already increasing early this
morning. There remains sufficient instability with also very
strong low level shear. For this reason, locally damaging winds
will be possible and even a couple isolated tornadoes given the
strong low level SRH and lowering LCLs. Best chances for this
will be for Delmarva, SE PA, and central and southern NJ but
this threat will spread north through this morning. In fact the
SPC has issued a Tornado Watch covering much of this area
(except SE PA) that is in effect until Noon.

By mid to late morning is when condition deteriorate further as
Isaias quickly advances towards the area. Tropical Cyclone
Isaias will speed quickly northward in response to a strong jet
streak passing through the region. Forecast models and the NHC
remain consistent in tracking the storm right through the heart
of the CWA near the urban corridor. It will also be starting to
undergo extratropical transition as it moves through our region.
The main timeframe of concern for the storm's strong winds,
heaviest rainfall and other associated impacts is mid/late
morning through much of the afternoon before the storm exits by
early this evening.

Multiple hazards with Isaias are expected including, but not
limited to, fresh water flooding, coastal flooding/storm surge,
strong winds and isolated tornadoes. The greatest precipitation
amounts are forecast to fall near and especially N/W of the
urban corridor. 3-6 inches of rain with locally higher amounts
up to 8 inches are expected. This will lead to a high flash
flooding threat, especially for the more urbanized areas and
portions of Berks County that received an excessive amount of
rain Sunday morning. In fact the flooding has the potential to
be widespread and significant. There also continues to be
increasing confidence widespread damaging winds will be an
issue...especially near and to the right of the storms track so
basically from the urban corridor S/E. Again, while the system
will be starting to lose its tropical characteristics, because
of the strong baroclinic zone it will be moving into this won't
allow it to really weaken much. Winds will initially be from the
E/SE then shift to NW behind the system. Sustained winds of 50+
mph are likely along the coast with gusts potentially exceeding
hurricane force (74+ mph). Farther N/W towards the I-95
corridor, widespread gusts of 50 to 60+ mph will be possible.
Importantly, it should be noted that because the storm will be
starting to become extratropical, the strongest winds/gusts over
inland areas could be immediately following the passage of the
storms center this afternoon since there will be better mixing
in this quadrant. And finally, the tornado threat: The threat
for isolated tornadoes is beginning to develop over southern
parts of our region during the predawn hours (as described
above) and this will spread north as we go through the rest of
the night into Tuesday morning. Areas near and S/E of urban
corridor will have the best chance for tornadoes.

The trend is for the storm to move through a bit faster than
previously forecast so expect it should be exiting by the
latter part of this afternoon into this evening. Winds/rain
should abate fairly quickly from south to north as this occurs.
Otherwise, Tuesday night should then finally feature quieter
weather though a secondary front and upper level wave could
trigger a few scattered showers.
&&

.SHORT TERM /WEDNESDAY/...
Quieter weather for Wednesday as high pressure starts to build
in to our north. This will bring a mainly dry day with
seasonable temperatures under partly to mostly sunny skies.
&&

.LONG TERM /WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/...
A fairly typical but overall quieter summer pattern is expected
for the long term forecast. The mean upper level trough over the
east will lift out but the mid Atlantic region will remain in a
fairly moist W/SW flow regime around high pressure ridging over
the western Atlantic. This will result in chances for scattered
showers/storms most days that will be mainly diurnally driven
meaning the best chances will be in the afternoon and early
evening. Temperatures will be around average for this time of
year.
&&

.AVIATION /12Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG, KILG,
KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.

Today... A rapid deterioration in conditions is expected from
south to north soon after 12z. MVFR to IFR conditions are
expected through much of the day in association with Hurricane
Isaias. Areas of torrential rainfall with low vsbys are likely.
Strong and erratic winds are expected with a sharp change in
wind direction expected during the mid afternoon. Gusts may be
briefly higher than shown in the TAFs especially near MIV and
ACY. While confidence is low in exact details and timing,
confidence is high in the overall trend, with hazardous aviation
conditions expected for most of the area.

Tonight... Mainly VFR. Southwest winds 10 to 20 kt diminishing to 5
to 10 kt. Moderate confidence.

Outlook...

Wednesday through Saturday...Mostly VFR. Scattered SHRA/TSRA
possible each afternoon/evening that would result in brief sub-
VFR conditions at a given terminal. Fog may develop during the
overnight. West winds less than 10 kt on Wednesday, then east to
northeast Thursday through Saturday. LGT/VRB at night. Moderate
confidence.

&&

.MARINE...
Today and Tonight... Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect as Isaias
moves north through North Carolina. Isaias will continue to head
north and then northeast and approach the area early this morning.
This morning into afternoon sustained winds of 45 to 55 kts appears
likely with gusts up to Hurricane force expected. Heavy rain, and
isolated waterspouts, this morning into early afternoon will give
way to a gradual improving of conditions later this afternoon. Seas
will also build to between 12 and 18 feet over the Atlantic coastal
waters. A slow decrease in seas down towards 5 feet can be expected
by Wednesday morning.

Outlook...

Wednesday morning...Seas may linger near 5 feet on the New Jersey
coastal waters but should subside below advisory criteria by midday.

Wednesday afternoon through Saturday...Sub-advisory winds/seas
expected through the period. Chances of showers/storms through the
period, especially in the afternoon/evening hours.

Rip Currents...

On Tuesday, impacts from Isaias will increase the rip-current risk
level to high. In addition, high surf is expected. A rip
current risk statement and high surf advisory are in effect for
this period, so in conclusion Tuesday will not be a good day to
be at the beach.

The rip current risk will likely remain elevated on Wednesday.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Hydro concerns continue early this morning as showers/storms continue
ahead of Isaias. Any of these will be capable of producing heavy
rain with at least localized flash flooding possible. The heaviest,
steadiest rain with the storm will arrive this morning from
south to north with more widespread flash flooding becoming a
big concern during this time. Most susecptible areas will be
near and N/W of the I-95 corridor especially since places such
as in Berks County have received so much rainfall recently. With
Isaias, 3 to 6 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts are
expected. Flooding could be widespread and significant.

In addition to flash flooding, river flooding is also expected. But
with a more consolidated area of rainfall across PA, the threat
across NJ including the Passaic and Raritan basins has lessened. The
latest MARFC forecast still has about 15 forecast points above
Action Stage and 6 at or above Flood Stage, including, Philadelphia,
Norristown, and Pottstown on the Schuylkill, Graterford on Perkiomen
Creek, Langhorne on Neshaminy Creek, and Chadds Ford and Wilmington
on the Brandywine. The latest forecast has these points cresting
later today or tonight. With such a large swath of precipitation
expected along and west of the I95 corridor, most basins in this
area will see at least some threat. That said, the Delaware River is
expected to remain within its banks.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
The coastal flooding impacts from Isaias remain very uncertain at
this time. Models notoriously handle fast-moving, intense cyclones
poorly in our area, as the short duration of onshore flow competes
with the strength of the winds. These competing impacts and
sensitivities are not well understood from a modeling standpoint,
leading to rather large spread in the model guidance.

Coastal flooding impacts are expected across the area today, with
four different regions we will be monitoring. The first, and
potentially most significant, is for the eastern shore of Chesapeake
Bay, where surge will likely move northward during the day. What is
unclear, however, is the strength of this surge. Model guidance is
particularly poor for these areas, and the output the past couple of
days seems unrealistically low. However, the extent of impacts
remains quite unclear. At this point, there is potential for
moderate flooding, which requires continuation of the coastal flood
warning. However, it is possible impacts will be less
significant/widespread. We will likely not have a better idea of
impacts until after daybreak, when gauges in lower Chesapeake Bay
begin to respond.

The second area is Delaware Bay. The real question here will be the
timing of the surge relative to the astronomical high tide.
With guidance trending a little faster with the surge, the timing
looks a little less favorable for coincidence of peak surge and
astronomical high tide for the Delaware Bay sites.
Nevertheless, the strength of southeast winds in advance of Isaias
may compensate much more readily than models suggest. A coastal
flood advisory has been issued here for the entire day given the
uncertainty of peak surge timing.

The third area is the tidal Delaware River. Here, confidence is
increasing that minor flooding will occur during the afternoon, as
predecessor southeast winds will likely combine with freshwater
runoff to lead to a period of tidal flooding from early afternoon to
early evening. As with Delaware Bay, confidence is not particularly
high on exact timing of flooding, so have issued a coastal flood
advisory for a broader period of time than normal (11 am to 8 pm).

The fourth area is the Atlantic coast. As with Delaware Bay, timing
of the strongest surge appears to occur between astronomical high
tides. However, the strength of onshore flow and exacerbating
behavior of wave runup will likely produce areas of flooding. Of
particular concern is back bays that are susceptible to southeast
flow, which can act to trap water. Barnegat Bay and Little Assawoman
Bay are particularly susceptible in these regimes, and these areas
may experience more widespread/significant flooding. Confidence is
pretty low in general for the coast, but given the very strong
onshore flow expected today, suspect at least some impacts in the
especially vulnerable spots are likely.

&&

.EQUIPMENT...
The NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards broadcast from Hibernia Park
Pennsylvania (Station WNG-704) remains off the air.

&&

.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for PAZ054-055-060>062-
     070-071-101>106.
     Tropical Storm Warning for PAZ070-071-101>106.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT
     this evening for PAZ070-071-106.
NJ...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for NJZ001-007>010-
     012>027.
     Tropical Storm Warning for NJZ001-007>010-012>027.
     Coastal Flood Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for NJZ016-
     021-023-024.
     High Rip Current Risk through this evening for NJZ014-024>026.
     High Surf Advisory until midnight EDT tonight for NJZ014-
     024>026.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 2 AM EDT
     Wednesday for NJZ012>014-020-022-025>027.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 11 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT
     this evening for NJZ017>019.
DE...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for DEZ001>004.
     Tropical Storm Warning for DEZ001>004.
     Coastal Flood Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for
     DEZ001>004.
     High Rip Current Risk through this evening for DEZ004.
     High Surf Advisory until midnight EDT tonight for DEZ004.
MD...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for MDZ008-012-015-019-
     020.
     Tropical Storm Warning for MDZ008-012-015-019-020.
     Coastal Flood Warning from 11 AM this morning to 6 AM EDT
     Wednesday for MDZ008-012-015-019-020.
MARINE...Tropical Storm Warning for ANZ430-431-450>455.
&&

Synopsis...Fitzsimmons
Near Term...Fitzsimmons
Short Term...Fitzsimmons
Long Term...Fitzsimmons/MPS
Aviation...O'Brien
Marine...CMS
Hydrology...WFO PHI
Tides/Coastal Flooding...WFO PHI
Equipment...WFO PHI
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 4, 6:25 AM EST, 1 hour 35 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

PAZ054-055-060>062-051200-
Carbon-Monroe-Berks-Lehigh-Northampton-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for east central Pennsylvania and
northeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

MDZ008-012-015-019-020-051200-
Cecil-Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 415 IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT TODAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 AM
EDT WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northeast Maryland.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

NJZ001-007>010-015-PAZ101>105-051200-
Sussex-Warren-Morris-Hunterdon-Somerset-Mercer-Western Chester-
Eastern Chester-Western Montgomery-Eastern Montgomery-Upper Bucks-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 416 IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Jersey, northern
New Jersey, northwest New Jersey and southeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

NJZ017>019-PAZ070-071-106-051200-
Gloucester-Camden-Northwestern Burlington-Delaware-Philadelphia-
Lower Bucks-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 416 IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM
EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern New Jersey and
southeast Pennsylvania.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

DEZ001>003-NJZ016-021-023-051200-
New Castle-Kent-Inland Sussex-Salem-Cumberland-Cape May-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 415 IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT TODAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Delaware, northern
Delaware, southern Delaware and southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

NJZ012-013-020-022-027-051200-
Middlesex-Western Monmouth-Ocean-Atlantic-Southeastern Burlington-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 416 IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 AM
EDT WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Jersey, northern
New Jersey and southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

NJZ014-025-026-051200-
Eastern Monmouth-Coastal Atlantic-Coastal Ocean-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 416 IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 AM
EDT WEDNESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central New Jersey and
southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   High Rip Current Risk.
   High Surf Advisory.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

DEZ004-NJZ024-051200-
Delaware Beaches-Atlantic Coastal Cape May-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...
...TORNADO WATCH 415 IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT TODAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT...
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southern Delaware and
southern New Jersey.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flash Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.
   Coastal Flood Advisory.
   High Rip Current Risk.
   High Surf Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

ANZ430-431-453>455-051200-
Delaware Bay waters north of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE-
Delaware Bay waters south of East Point NJ to Slaughter Beach DE-
Coastal waters from Great Egg Inlet to Cape May NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape May NJ to Cape Henlopen DE out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Cape Henlopen to Fenwick Island DE out 20 nm-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 415 IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT TODAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters and
Delaware Bay Waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

ANZ450>452-051200-
Coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Manasquan Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Manasquan Inlet to Little Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
Coastal waters from Little Egg Inlet to Great Egg Inlet NJ out 20 nm-
725 AM EDT Tue Aug 4 2020

...TORNADO WATCH 416 IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tornado Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather
conditions according to standard operating procedures.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 4, 7:42 AM EST, 18 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
842 AM EDT TUE AUG 4 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0830 AM     TORNADO          SANDTOWN                39.03N 75.71W
08/04/2020                   KENT               DE   911 CALL CENTER

            CALL CENTER REPORTS A TORNADO ON SANDTOWN
            ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR.

&&

STAARMANN
Local storm report, Aug 4, 7:46 AM EST, 14 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
846 AM EDT TUE AUG 4 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0830 AM     TROPICAL STORM   3 S INDIAN BEACH        38.64N 75.07W
08/04/2020                   SUSSEX             DE   MESONET

            43 MPH SUSTAINED WIND AT DELAWARE SEASHORE.

&&

MPS
Local storm report, Aug 4, 7:51 AM EST, 9 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
851 AM EDT TUE AUG 4 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0842 AM     TROPICAL STORM   3 SSW NASSAU            38.68N 75.18W
08/04/2020                   SUSSEX             DE   PUBLIC

            ONE TREE DOWN AND SEVERAL TREE LIMBS DOWN
            BETWEEN REHOBOTH BEACH AND LONG NECK.
            TRAFFIC LIGHTS ALSO OUT IN THE AREA.

&&

STAARMANN
Local storm report, Aug 4, 7:54 AM EST, 6 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
854 AM EDT TUE AUG 4 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0833 AM     FLOOD            HATFIELD                40.28N 75.30W
08/04/2020                   MONTGOMERY         PA   PUBLIC

            RESIDENTIAL STREET FLOODING IN HATFIELD.

&&

STAARMANN
Local storm report, Aug 4, 7:58 AM EST, 2 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
858 AM EDT TUE AUG 4 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0857 AM     TROPICAL STORM   TRAPPE                  38.66N 76.06W
08/04/2020                   TALBOT             MD   TRAINED SPOTTER

            SPOTTER REPORTS NUMEROUS LIMBS DOWN AND
            DETERIORATING CONDITIONS. PEAK WINDS OF 45
            MPH SO FAR. 8.10 INCHES OF RAIN SINCE
            MIDNIGHT.

&&

STAARMANN
Local storm report, Aug 4, 7:59 AM EST, 1 minute before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ
859 AM EDT TUE AUG 4 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0855 AM     HEAVY RAIN       TRAPPE                  38.66N 76.06W
08/04/2020  M8.10 INCH       TALBOT             MD   TRAINED SPOTTER

            RAIN SINCE MIDNIGHT. STILL RAINING.

&&

STAARMANN

The radar

The Dover AFB radar (KDOX), 59 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:44 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

22 tropical storm, 6 flash flood, 2 tornado, 1 coastal flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Tropical Storm, Western Cape May

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Cape May forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.085, -74.850 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations of 40 to 60 mph sustained winds with higher gusts were measured. Downed trees and power lines were reported.

Tropical Storm, Eastern Cape May

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Cape May forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.085, -74.850 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations of 40 to 60 mph sustained winds with higher gusts were recorded. Downed trees and power lines were reported, in addition to locally enhanced damage caused by a waterspout coming onshore as a tornado.

Tropical Storm, Western Atlantic

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Atlantic forecast zone
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
39.469, -74.634 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple measurements were made of 40 to 50 mph sustained winds with higher gusts, including at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY). Downed trees and power lines were reported.

Tropical Storm, Eastern Atlantic

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Atlantic forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.469, -74.634 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph with higher gusts were measured. Tree and utility damage occurred as a result.

Tropical Storm, Cumberland

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Cumberland forecast zone
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
39.328, -75.129 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations were made of 40 to 60 mph sustained winds including at Millville Municipal Airport (KMIV). Numerous reports of downed trees and power lines were received.

Tropical Storm, Western Ocean

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Ocean forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.866, -74.250 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations of 40 to 55 mph sustained winds with higher gusts were recorded. Numerous reports of downed trees and power lines were received.

Tropical Storm, Eastern Ocean

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Ocean forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.866, -74.250 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sustained winds of 40 to 55 mph with higher gusts were measured. Tree and utility damage occurred, with locally enhanced damage near Ship Bottom due to a tornado. A 109 mph wind gust was measured on Long Beach Island when the sensor was hit by that tornado.

Tropical Storm, Salem

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Salem forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.577, -75.358 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A NJWxNet site at Lower Alloways Creek measured a sustained wind of 44 mph. Downed trees and power lines were reported in the county.

Tropical Storm, Gloucester

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Gloucester forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.717, -75.142 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A number of reports of downed trees and power lines were received in the county. No confirmed observations of sustained tropical storm force winds were received, likely due to lack of available data, but damage reports and observations from surrounding areas suggest such winds likely occurred.

Tropical Storm, Camden

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Camden forecast zone
Reported by
Other Federal Agency
Coordinates
39.804, -74.960 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

An anemometer in Waterford Works measured a 60 mph wind gust, which combined with surrounding observations suggest sustained tropical storm force winds very likely occurred. Numerous reports of downed trees and power lines were received.

Tropical Storm, Northwestern Burlington

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Northwestern Burlington forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.878, -74.668 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations of 40 to 50 mph sustained winds were recorded. Numerous trees and power lines were downed.

Tropical Storm, Southeastern Burlington

When
August 4, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Southeastern Burlington forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
39.878, -74.668 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A CWOP site in Tabernacle reported a 53 mph wind gust. Downed trees and power lines were reported, and sustained tropical storm force winds almost certainly occurred.

Tropical Storm, Eastern Monmouth

When
August 4, 8:30 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Eastern Monmouth forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.288, -74.158 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Sustained winds of 45 to 55 mph with higher gusts were measured near Manasquan and Sandy Hook.

Tropical Storm, Western Monmouth

When
August 4, 8:30 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Western Monmouth forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.288, -74.158 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Rutgers University owned gauge in Upper Freehold Twp measured a 41 mph sustained wind. A number of downed trees and power lines were reported.

Tropical Storm, Mercer

When
August 4, 8:30 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Mercer forecast zone
Reported by
ASOS
Coordinates
40.283, -74.702 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations of sustained 40 to 50 mph winds with higher gusts were made, including at Trenton Mercer Airport (KTTN). Numerous reports of downed trees and power lines were received.

Tropical Storm, Somerset

When
August 4, 8:30 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Somerset forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.564, -74.616 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple observations of 40 to 45 mph sustained winds with higher gusts were recorded, along with widespread downed trees and power outages.

Flash Flood, Cumberland

When
August 4, 8:45 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where
Cumberland County, 0.53 mi WNW of Millville to 0.48 mi NNW of Millville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
39.403, -75.039

NJ Route 47 was closed at Broad Street in Millville due to flooding.

Tornado, Cape May

When
August 4, 8:45 AM EST to 8:50 AM EST
Where
Cape May County, 1.35 mi ENE of Strathmere to 0.53 mi E of Marmora
Rating
EF1
Path length
4.24 mi
Path width
150 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
39.209, -74.648

A waterspout came ashore near the southern end of Corson’s |Inlet State Park near Strathmere then across marshy areas. The |tornado then crossed the Garden State Parkway then tracked along |Route 9 across the south side of Marmora. There were several |pictures and videos of the waterspout and tornado including a |trained spotter reporting a tornado on the ground with debris in |the air. The tornado produced significant damage to homes and |businesses on the 500 block of Route 9, starting in the vicinity |of a Coca Cola facility where containers were tossed around with |even a truck trailer flipped onto its side. Adjacent to the Coca |Cola facility, a large shed at a residence was upended and |vehicles were moved from their original locations. Several homes |had portions of their roofs blown off with a couple of homes |sustaining significant damage to a side wall or corner walls. The |tornado crossed Route 9 to the Pine Hill Mobile Home Court where |significant damage occurred to trees and buildings. One home was |shifted off its foundation and others had roof damage and downed |trees crushed several cars. The tornado tracked north northwest |crossing Tuckahoe Road and may have dissipated over the adjacent |marsh areas. Doppler radar data showed a well defined tornado |debris signature as the tornado moved through portions of Marmora.

Tropical Storm, Middlesex

When
August 4, 9:00 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Middlesex forecast zone
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
40.440, -74.409 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A Weatherflow gauge at Perth Amboy measured a 66 mph wind gust. Widespread reports of downed trees and power outages were received.

Tropical Storm, Hunterdon

When
August 4, 9:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Hunterdon forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.567, -74.912 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Multiple reports of downed trees and power lines were received, especially near Readington Twp where a 51 mph wind gust was also measured. Sustained tropical storm force winds likely occurred.

Tropical Storm, Morris

When
August 4, 9:00 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Morris forecast zone
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
40.862, -74.544 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Numerous reports of downed trees and power lines were received. The Morristown AWOS (KMMU) measured a 59 mph wind gust, and sustained tropical storm force winds very likely occurred in the county.

Tropical Storm, Warren

When
August 4, 9:30 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Warren forecast zone
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
40.857, -74.997 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A number of downed trees and power lines were reported. No observations of sustained tropical storm force winds were received, but observations from surrounding areas suggest that such winds likely occurred.

Tornado, Ocean

When
August 4, 9:50 AM EST to 9:54 AM EST
Where
Ocean County, 0.9 mi N of Brant Beach to 0.87 mi NE of Bay Side
Rating
EF1
Path length
3.32 mi
Path width
100 yd
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
39.633, -74.197

A waterspout developed in Manahawkin Bay between Ship Bottom and |Brant Beach. It tracked northwestward and video footage showed the|circulation with light debris in the air crossing the Route 72 |bridge over the bay. The waterspout then continued tracking to the|northwest and passed east of Mud City before moving ashore into a|marshy area of the Manahawkin Wildlife Management area. Other |than some light debris reported in the air as it crossed the Route|72 bridge, no other damage reports have been received as of this |report. However, the circulation tracked right over the Long Beach|Island WeatherFlow weather station located north of Egg Island |and west of Flat Island in Manahawkin Bay which measured a 109 mph|wind gust at 10:53 AM EDT. This measurement was used to rate this|waterspout/tornado given the lack of actual damage. Doppler radar|data showed no evidence of a tornado debris signature. Doppler |radar data however did indicate velocities to 112 mph at about |1,600 feet above the ground very near the aforementioned weather |station.

Flash Flood, Gloucester

When
August 4, 10:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where
Gloucester County, 0.78 mi NW of Mantua to 0.56 mi NNW of Mantua
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
39.789, -75.179

NJ Route 45 was closed near Berkley Road in Mantua Township due to flooding.

Tropical Storm, Sussex

When
August 4, 10:00 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Sussex forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.140, -74.690 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A number of reports of downed trees and power lines were reported, including by a COOP observer at Highland Lakes who had his equipment destroyed by a falling tree. Observations from surrounding areas suggest sustained tropical storm force winds likely occurred.

Tropical Storm, Sussex

When
August 4, 10:00 AM EST to 3:30 PM EST
Where
Sussex forecast zone
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
41.140, -74.690 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

A number of reports of downed trees and power lines were reported, including by a COOP observer at Highland Lakes who had his equipment destroyed by a falling tree. Observations from surrounding areas suggest sustained tropical storm force winds likely occurred.

Flash Flood, Warren

When
August 4, 11:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where
Warren County, 0.82 mi NNE of Hackettstown to 0.65 mi NW of Hackettstown
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
40.860, -74.812

Widespread roadway flooding in Hackettstown.

Flash Flood, Warren

When
August 4, 11:15 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where
Warren County, 0.4 mi WNW of Broadway to 0.16 mi NNW of Broadway
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
40.732, -75.057

NJ Route 57 was closed at Asbury Broadway Road in Franklin Township due to flooding.

Flash Flood, Hunterdon

When
August 4, 11:50 AM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where
Hunterdon County, 1.06 mi SE of Reaville to 0.86 mi WNW of Reaville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.470, -74.805

Minor flooding occurred along the Neshanic River in the Reaville area.

Flash Flood, Hunterdon

When
August 4, 12:30 PM EST to 1:30 PM EST
Where
Hunterdon County, 2.8 mi N of Little York to 2.47 mi N of Little York
Cause
Heavy Rain
Reported by
River/Stream Gage
Coordinates
40.660, -75.077

Minor flooding occurred along the Musconetcong River in the Bloomsbury area.

Coastal Flood, Northwestern Burlington

When
August 4, 2:30 PM EST to 4:00 PM EST
Where
Northwestern Burlington forecast zone
Reported by
Other Federal Agency
Coordinates
39.878, -74.668 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Moderate tidal flooding occurred. There was roadway flooding in some of the tidal areas of northwestern Burlington County along the Delaware River and its tidal tributaries.

What these are

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).
Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Coastal Flood
Flooding of coastal land by the sea, from storm surge, onshore wind or high tides.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in New Jersey in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for New Jersey, 2020Warnings in New Jersey, August 2020The 2020 hurricane season

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 907774, 907775, 907790, 907793, 907799, 907803, 907804, 907806, 907808, 907811, 907816, 907821, 907823, 907825, 907830, 907833, 899789, 904095, 907832, 907834, 907835, 907837, 904096, 899755, 907839, 907845, 899769, 899771, 899984, 899985, 899953.