Rare, 105 MPH 'Gustnado' Hit NJ Amid Severe Storm: What Is That?

SOUTH JERSEY — A rare "gustnado" of up to 105 mph struck Franklinville during the severe storms on Friday, along with an actual tornado that moved from Gloucester to Atlantic County, according to the National Weather Service.

The gustnado lasted less than a minute Friday afternoon and traveled 100 yards, snapping the trunk of several hardwood trees and bringing down several large branches, the National Weather Service said in a preliminary assessment.

"Video received from the homeowner showed the trees and branches falling after a rapid wind shift," the National Weather Service said. "Analysis of radar data showed a strong signature of a rear-flank downdraft in the vicinity, which likely spun up this brief gustnado."

A gustnado, according to the National Weather Service, is similar to a dust devil. It "is a small, whirlwind which forms as an eddy in thunderstorm outflows." It's different from a tornado in that it doesn't connect with any cloud-base rotation.

Additionally, the National Weather Service upgraded a tornado in Collings Lakes also on Friday.

That tornado was upgraded to EF-1 and it was determined it began in Williamstown before moving into Collings Lakes. It traveled 8.6 miles and hit peak winds of 90-95 mph, the National Weather Service said.

It took down several trees and a telephone pole, also damaging a wood fence, smaller branches, house siding and metal roof sheeting, according to the National Weather Service.

As far as the current forecast goes: Periods of rain will soak New Jersey Wednesday and Thursday, along with some gusts of wind, forecasters say.

The winds will be most noticeable along the Jersey Shore, according to AccuWeather forecasters.
Across the state, rain totals look to be 1 to 1.5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible and some localized flooding cannot be ruled out. See this week's forecast here.