NWS Confirms 80 MPH Winds In NJ Storm That Left 3 Dead

According to the National Weather Service, the severe storm that hit sections of Central Jersey on Thursday, July 3, caused extensive damage in several towns and had gusts of up to 80 miles per hour.

Edison storm debris

The NWS verified in a public information statement released Friday afternoon, July 4, that downbursts and straight-line winds were responsible for the damage that resulted in three fatalities.

According to the NWS, the storm tore through North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Green Brook Township, Bound Brook, and Metuchen as it struck Somerset and Middlesex counties shortly after 6 p.m.

The NWS stated that the damage was consistent with downbursts and straight-line winds based on pictures that were shared with the office, doppler radar images, and other observations. Data from Newark’s Terminal Doppler Weather Radar was used to determine wind speeds, which ranged from 65 to 80 mph.

Authorities expressed gratitude to the public, media, trained spotters, and local emergency management teams for reporting storms. They pointed out that the results are preliminary and could alter after a comprehensive examination.