With a strong wind field aloft already in place, showers and thunderstorms developed and formed into a line that moved through New Jersey. These storms produced widespread damaging wind gusts.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS PHI wrote it up.
With a strong wind field aloft already in place, showers and thunderstorms developed and formed into a line that moved through New Jersey. These storms produced widespread damaging wind gusts.
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 Mar 16, 7:29 PM EST, 2 hours 26 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
829 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Severe Thunderstorm Watch #71 is now in effect for the eastern
shores of Maryland, Delaware, and southern New Jersey until
midnight.
Wind Advisory in effect for all of the forecast area through
tonight.
Gale Warning in effect until 6 AM early Tuesday morning.
&&
.KEY MESSAGES...
1. Severe Thunderstorm Watch #71 now in effect for the eastern
shores of Maryland, Delaware, and southern New Jersey until
midnight for the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms
with the passage of the cold front later tonight. Even outside
of storms, strong winds are likely, especially closer to the
coast.
2. Some minor coastal flooding along the back bays with high
tide this evening.
3. Cold and dry for the middle of the week, then temperatures
moderate late this week and through this weekend.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
KEY MESSAGE 1...Severe Thunderstorm Watch #71 now in effect for
the eastern shores of Maryland, Delaware, and southern New
Jersey until midnight for the potential for strong to severe
thunderstorms with the passage of the cold front later tonight.
Even outside of storms, strong winds are likely, especially
closer to the coast.
A warm and humid airmass remains over the area ahead of an
approaching cold front. A strongly amplified upper level trough
that is through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys is turning
negatively tilted, and sharp height falls and temperature falls
will occur behind the passage of the cold front.
Low level wind shear is quite strong just ahead of the frontal
passage, and the combination of dynamic lift, sufficient
moisture, and modest instability (for mid March standards) may
still support convection, but it will not be until later tonight
with the actual passage of the cold front. 20Z/16 HRRR still
showing a thin squall line that will pass through the region
with the frontal passage, and this may still result in strong to
severe thunderstorms in the 11 pm to 1 am timeframe. Locally
heavy rain is still possible with brief, localized flash
flooding.
Finally, it should be noted that even outside of any
thunderstorms the strong wind fields will support southerly
winds. A burst of strong westerly winds is also likely during
and immediately after the cold frontal passage late this
evening, with gusts up to 55 mph possible. Therefore, the Wind
Advisory was expanded to include the entire forecast area. The
strong southerly winds has ushered in an unseasonably warm and
humid airmass. Temperatures this evening will be in the mid 60s
to low 70s inland, and closer to 60 degrees near the coast and
higher terrain.
In addition to the severe weather and strong wind threat, the
showers/storms will likely be producing heavy rainfall as PWATs
are progged to be 1.1-1.4" which is above the 90th percentile
for early March. MMEFS guidance is showing modest rises in
rivers, so we'll continue to watch for any potential hydro
concerns, especially where any training of convection occurs.
KEY MESSAGE 2...Some minor coastal flooding along the back bays
with high tide this evening.
South winds will continue to increase through this evening with
gales developing by or just after sunset. This will keep water
from draining out of Barnegat Bay, Rehoboth Bay, and Little
Assawoman Bay, resulting in elevated tide levels and some minor
coastal flooding around the high tide this evening. The most
likely areas to experience impacts will be along the northern
end of Barnegat Bay in Ocean County NJ, Rehoboth Bay and Little
Assawoman Bay in Sussex County DE. These bays are particularly
susecptible to flooding during strong southerly wind events, as
the winds prevent water from draining normally during low tide.
Thus, impacts may not follow typical astronomical tide cycles.
These advisories are in effect through 2 AM Tuesday, however
extensions may be needed if impacts linger after winds shift
offshore.
The Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay and upper portion of the
tidal Delaware River (north of Philadelphia) could also
experience some minor coastal flooding, though confidence is
lower for these areas. Trends will continue to be monitored to
determine if any additional advisories may be needed.
KEY MESSAGE 3...Cold and dry for the middle of the week, then
temperatures moderate late this week and through this weekend.
Canadian high pressure will be centered over the southern
Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic Tuesday night, then will lift to
the northeast, with the center of the high passing over New
Jersey on Wednesday. The high then lifts into the Canadian
Maritimes Wednesday night through Thursday. A weak cold front
will pass through the region Thursday night, followed by a
stronger cold front Friday night. High pressure will mostly be
over the area this weekend until another cold front potentially
passes through the area Sunday night.
Temperatures Tuesday night through Wednesday will more resemble
that of January than mid-March with lows in the 20s and low 30s
and highs in the upper 30s to low 40s. Thereafter, a much
warmer airmass begins to build east with highs warming into the
40s and low 50s Thursday, then generally in the low to mid 50s
north and west of the Fall Line and in the mid and upper 50s
south and east of the Fall Line Friday through Sunday.
With the passage of the first front Thursday night, generally
20 to 30 percent PoPs, mostly for rain, but some spotty freezing
rain is possible for the southern Poconos. With the stronger
front Friday night, PoPs will generally be in the 30 to 50
percent range, again, mostly rain.
&&
.AVIATION /00Z TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
The following discussion is for KPHL, KPNE, KTTN, KABE, KRDG,
KILG, KMIV, KACY and surrounding areas.
Tonight...MVFR/IFR conds in SHRA/BR/stratus. A round of TSRA
possible with the passage of a cold front from west to east from
around 01Z to 03Z for western terminals and around 04Z to 06Z
for the eastern terminals. Brief LIFR conds possible. Ahead of
the cold front, S winds will range from 15 to 20 kt with gusts
up to 30 kt. Strong winds may accompany any TSRA, and then
winds abruptly shift to the W-NW behind the cold front and ramp
up to 20 to 30 kt with 35 to 45 kt gusts. Winds eventually will
settle down to around 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt late tonight.
VFR from W to E behind the passage of the cold front. Strong
LLWS at 2000 feet this evening with 50 to 60 kt winds. LLWS
ends with the passage of the front. Moderate confidence overall,
low confidence on timing.
Tuesday...VFR. W-NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt.
Winds diminish after 21Z. High confidence.
Outlook...
Tuesday night...VFR. Gusty west winds early in the evening,
diminishing by midnight.
Wednesday through Friday...VFR. NSW.
&&
.MARINE...
Gale Warning continues on the waters through tonight, may need
extension into the day Tuesday. Southerly flow continues to
increase, with gales likely by late day/evening just ahead of
cold front. Then westerly winds likely produce gales along/just
behind front for a few hours into the early morning Tuesday.
Winds will relax a bit as we get into Tuesday but some lingering
gale gusts may continue past dawn. Seas building thru this
evening until peaking at 10-15 feet, then starting to slowly
diminish late tonight through Tuesday.
Outlook...
Tuesday night...Gusty west winds diminish in the evening, but
seas remain elevated. SCA may continue to be needed. No
significant weather.
Wednesday through Friday...VFR. Sub-SCA conditions. No
significant weather.
&&
.PHI WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
PA...Wind Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for PAZ054-055-060>062-
070-071-101>106.
NJ...Wind Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for NJZ001-007>010-
012>027.
Coastal Flood Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for NJZ020-026.
DE...Wind Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for DEZ001>004.
Coastal Flood Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for DEZ003-004.
MD...Wind Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for MDZ012-015-019-020.
MARINE...Gale Warning until 6 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ430-431-450>455.
&&
DISCUSSION...MPS/RCM
AVIATION...MPS/RCM
MARINE...MPS/RCMHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ 506 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026 MDZ012-015-019-020-171000- Kent MD-Queen Annes-Talbot-Caroline- 506 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026 ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 2 AM EDT TUESDAY... 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. Wind Advisory. Severe thunderstorms are expected late today and early tonight. Damaging winds are the main threat. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Hazardous weather is not expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report significant weather conditions according to standard operating procedures.
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
1011 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0959 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 4 SSW Chester 38.92N 76.32W
03/16/2026 M58 MPH Queen Anne's MD Public
Wunderground station KMDSTEVE109.
&&
StaarmannPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
1014 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1011 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Reading Regional Airpor 40.38N 75.97W
03/16/2026 M68 MPH Berks PA ASOS
&&
ZCPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
1035 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1010 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Glenmoore 40.09N 75.77W
03/16/2026 Chester PA Public
Tree down. Time estimated from radar.
&&
ZCPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
1043 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1027 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Pottstown 40.25N 75.65W
03/16/2026 Montgomery PA Trained Spotter
Tree down on house causing damage to the
roof. Time estimated from radar.
&&
ZCPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
1046 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1010 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Honey Brook 40.10N 75.91W
03/16/2026 Chester PA Emergency Mngr
Several trees down with roads impassable.
Time estimated from radar.
&&
ZCPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Mount Holly NJ
1050 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1027 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Greensboro 38.98N 75.80W
03/16/2026 Caroline MD Public
Significant tree damage. Time estimated from
radar.
&&
ZCThe Dover AFB radar (KDOX), 73 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 02:54 UTC.
61 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A 66 MPH wind gust was measured from the Lower Alloways Creek NJ WeatherNet.
Trees and wires down around Fairfield Township. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Hopewell Township. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Pittsgrove. Time estimated via radar.
Widespread tree and wire damage around Gloucester County. Woodbury Heights had most tree and wire damage within the county. Time estimated from radar.
Numerous trees and wires down on Commisioners Pike. Time estimated from radar.
Widespread tree and wire damage around Gloucester County. Deptford Township had most tree and wire damage within the county. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Vineland. Time estimated from radar.
Multiple wooden light poles snapped. Time estimated from radar.
The NJ WeatherNet station in Upper Deerfield measured a 59 MPH gust.
Trees down, fences damaged in the Timberbirch development near Lynwood and Prospect Lane; time estimated from radar.
Multiple trees snapped. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down in Lower Township. Time estimated from radar.
Tree snapped at Keats Place and Walt Whitman Blvd in Ashland. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down along Tuckahoe Road in Atlantic County. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Gloucester Township. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Middle Township. Time estimated from radar.
Several reports of wires down around Cinnaminson. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down in Moorestown including wires down on a car. No injuries reported. Time estimated from radar.
Several reports of tree and wire damage around Delran including a tree into a house in the Tenby Chase section. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Cherry Hill. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Raritan Township. Time estimated from radar.
Several reports of wires down around Mount Laurel. Time estimated from radar.
Picture on social media of wind and tree damage with a dishelved structure. Time estimated from radar.
Wires down around Derry Drive in Willingboro. Time estimated from radar.
Wires down along Old York Road in Burlington Township. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Ewing. Time estimated from radar.
Downed Wires on NJ 29 Both Directions North of River Knoll Dr (Hopewell Twp), All lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Hopewell and Pennington. Time estimated from radar.
A 58 MPH gust was measured at Trenton Mercer Airport.
Estimated 60 mph wind gusts at WFO Mount Holly.
Trees down along Irick Road. Time estimated from radar.
Wires down in Florence. Time estimated from radar.
From the NJ DOT - TOC South: Downed Tree on NJ 31 Southbound North of CR 622/Olden Ave (Ewing Twp), 1 center lane of 4 lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
Downed Tree/Wires on NJ 31 Both Directions North of CR 518/Lambertville Hopewell Tpke (East Amwell Twp). All lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
From the NJ DOT - TOC South: Downed Tree/Wires on US 206 Northbound At Province Line Rd (Lawrence Twp), All lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Montgomery Township. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Princeton. Time estimated from radar.
Downed Tree on US 206 Southbound North of CR 533/Orchard Rd (Montgomery Twp), All lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
Wires down along Oak Shade Road in Tabernacle. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Hillsborough. Time estimated from radar.
Wires down on Four Mile Road in Pemberton. Time estimated from radar.
Numerous trees uprooted around Cranbury. Shadow Oaks neighborhood hit especially hard, with some felled trees impacting houses. Photos provided in report. Time estimated from radar.
Downed Pole/Wires on US 206 Both Directions South of Brooks Blvd. All lanes closed. Time estimated from radar.
Wires down along Saylors Pond Road and Meeting House Road. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Franklin Township. Time estimated from radar.
Downed Tree on I-287 Southbound North of Exit 26 - CR 525/Mount Airy Rd (Bernards Twp), 2 right lanes of 3 lanes, right shoulder closed. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Monroe Township. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Piscataway. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Dover. Time estimated from radar.
Trees and wires down around Plumstead. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Edison. Time estimated from radar.
A 63 MPH gust was measured by the LBI Island Surf Mesonet.
Trees and wires down around Jackson. Time estimated from radar.
Surf City Wunderground station measured a 67 MPH gust.
A 64 MPH gust was measured with a Davis Anemometer.
A 62 MPH gust was measured at the Harvey Cedars Mesonet.
Trees and wires down around Lakewood. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Monmouth County. Most trees and wires down around the county reported around Hazlet. Time estimated from radar.
Several trees and wires down around Monmouth County. Most trees and wires down around the county reported around Middletown. Time estimated from radar.
The Sandy Hook NOS Station measured a 58 MPH gust.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Jersey in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in New Jersey, March 2026
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: 1324629, 1324579, 1324580, 1324581, 1324582, 1324583, 1324584, 1324585, 1324586, 1324640, 1324587, 1324588, 1324589, 1324590, 1324591, 1324593, 1324594, 1324596, 1324597, 1324598, 1324599, 1324600, 1324601, 1324602, 1324603, 1324604, 1324605, 1324606, 1324607, 1324627, 1324626, 1324608, 1324609, 1324610, 1324611, 1324612, 1324613, 1324614, 1324615, 1324616, and more.