On Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for nine counties in New Jersey, alerting residents to potentially dangerous conditions with wind speeds reaching up to 60 miles per hour.
The warning covered Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset counties, remaining in effect until 10:30 a.m.
Although the warning was lifted at 10:30 a.m., forecasters noted that a line of rain showers accompanied by strong gusty winds continued to affect central and eastern parts of the state. They warned that isolated wind gusts as high as 55 to 60 mph could still occur later in the morning and into the afternoon.
Thousands of homes and businesses experienced power outages on Friday due to the intense winds.
The National Weather Service advised residents and drivers to prepare for wind gusts of up to 60 mph. "At 9:41 a.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Hopewell to Magnolia, moving east at 60 mph," the weather service said. "Damage to roofs, siding, trees, and power lines is possible."
Areas impacted by the warning included Toms River, Trenton, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Somerville, Somerset, Edison, Lakewood, Cherry Hill, Middletown, Old Bridge, Jackson, Howell, East Brunswick, Evesham, South Brunswick, Sayreville, and Mount Laurel.
The weather service also recommended, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. This severe thunderstorm may contain little or no lightning. Do not wait until you hear thunder before taking cover."
