Tornado Hit NJ During Friday Thunderstorms, Weather Service Says

BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP - A small tornado touched ground in New Jersey during a fierce thunderstorm complete with damaging winds and flooding Friday, the National Weather Service confirmed.

The EF-0 tornado traveled for 3.4 miles in Southampton and Pemberton townships, starting from Burrs Mill Road to Sheep Penn Hill Road before dissipating at around 1 p.m. near remote blueberry fields, the weather service said Friday evening.

The tornado path spanned 200-yards in width and reached speeds up to 80 mph.

No injuries were reported as a result of the tornado, the agency continued. Minor tree damage was reported, as well as uprooted trees near Stockton Bridge Road, a residential property and remote areas. Downed limbs were also found in a nature preserve along Jade Run.

An EF-0 is categorized as the weakest class of tornadoes, reaching maximum speeds of up to 85 mph, according to the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The scale ranges from EF-0, or “weak,” or EF-5, “or violent,” for tornadoes with speeds over 200 mph.

A tornado warning was issued Friday afternoon by the National Weather Service, warning “mobile homes will be destroyed, while damage to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur” as well as likely tree damage.

Many roadways throughout the region remained flooded Friday night after much of the area received between 1 and 2 inches of rain. Read more: Burlington County Roads Flood From Heavy Thunderstorms