High Wind — Union, New Jersey

2002-09-11 · Union, New Jersey

Wider weather episode

A strong pressure gradient developed between Hurricane Gustav, which intensified as it moved offshore, and a high pressure system, which built southeast. High winds quickly developed behind a strong cold front that trailed from a low pressure system over Northeast New England around 10:00 am EDT.Wind speeds were sustained from 25 to 35 mph with peak gusts from 45 and 55 mph. The highest wind gust measured by the Automated Surface Observing System at Newark/Liberty Airport was 53 mph at 1:30 pm EDT. These winds, which lasted at least 6 hours, resulted in 1 death, 12 injuries, and significant power outages caused by down trees.At Westfield High School in Union County, New Jersey, high winds "snapped" an enormous "rotted" limb from an Oak Tree, which killed 1 student and injured 12 other students. Two students that were critically injured were air lifted while the other 10 students were treated at local emergency rooms. This limb was as big as a small tree. The students were eating lunch at picnic tables outdoors around 1 pm EDT.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5320605. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.