Thunderstorm Wind — Somerset, New Jersey

2003-07-22 · near Lyons, Somerset, New Jersey

Wider weather episode

A very damaging macroburst caused considerable damage in Bernards Township. Damage extended for about 3 miles into Long Hill Township in Morris County. In Bernards Township, about 50 homes were damaged, 35 vehicles were destroyed or damaged, hundreds of trees were blown down and fourteen roads were closed. No serious injuries were reported. Damage was estimated at $1.5 million dollars. Houses were damaged by either trees falling on them or the wind ripping shingles, attic vents, gutters and siding from them. A garage roof was also tore away on Valley Road. Trees up to 10 feet in diameter were knocked down. The worst property damage occurred in the Spring Ridge Development. Wind damage began near Spring Valley Boulevard and the western loop of Alexandria Way and extended east along Valley Road into Morris County. Exit 36 of Interstate 78 was closed because of downed trees. Homeowners were losing dozens of trees. Lesser wind damage also occurred in the Liberty Corner and Basking Ridge sections of the township. Power was not completely restored until the evening of the 24th.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.6833, -74.5500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5333818. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.