Tornado Confirmed In Mercer County: National Weather Service

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ —The National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday that a tornado occurred Tuesday evening in the Quaker Bridge area of Mercer County.

An EF-2 strength tornado ripped through the County, with a path length of 5.8 miles and maximum width of 200 yards, according to the NWS.

"This is the 5th recorded tornado and the 2nd F-2/EF-2 in New Jersey in February since 1950," The NWS said.

A February tornado is quite rare in the state, according to the office of New Jersey State Climatologists. The last time NJ recorded a February tornado was on Feb. 12, 1999. The F-1 category tornado caused much damage near Cherry Hill in Camden and was one of four tornadoes reported in the state since 1950. The other three were reported on Feb. 2, 1973, in Hunterdon (one F-2 and two of F-1 category).

Tuesday's tornado left much destruction in its wake. Officials from NWS visited Lawrence Township and West Windsor to investigate.

In Lawrence Township, around 60 residents were displaced, according to authorities. Hail and high winds, caused extensive damage to the condominium complex of Lawrence Square Village, commercial buildings, and several vehicles, the police department said. More: Trees, Power Lines Down As Storm Causes Damage In Lawrence Township

Trees were uprooted and knocked over. Utility lines were brought down, causing the closure of Route 1 in both directions, from Interstate 295 to Bakers Basin Road.

In West Windsor, the police department received various calls from residents who reported trees falling on homes and downed power lines. No injuries were reported. More: Buildings Damaged, Trees Down After Storm Hits West Windsor

Mercer County Executive Brian M Hughes met with officials from the National Weather Service Wednesday morning, who confirmed that a tornado swept through portions of the County.

"I'd like to thank Lawrence Police Chief Chris Longo, Mercer OEM Coordinator Bob Hartman, Lawrence OEM Coordinator Jack Oakley, the New Jersey State Police liaisons to Mercer County Emergency Management and the Red Cross for their partnership," Hughes said.

In Lawrence Township, Police Chief Chris Longo and the Police Department continue to evaluate damage sustained to Lawrence Square Village Complex.

The Red Cross is still on location with Volunteers of America to assist residents in need of housing or resources.

Authorities have asked residents to remain aware of hazards, and not to approach downed trees. They should contact LTPD at 609-896-1111 to report non-emergencies.

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