Thunderstorm Wind in Atlantic County, New Jersey

Tree limbs and wires were downed near Weekstown Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Following a more than two week stretch of dry weather, a cold front approached the mid-Atlantic on May 26. Ahead of the front, an unseasonably hot and humid air mass developed, with high temperatures near to above 90 degrees in much of the region. This contributed to strong instability, while wind shear was more moderate. Multiple rounds of convection affected the region, triggered by a pre-frontal trough and a couple of upper level impulses ahead of the front. A fairly widespread severe weather event resulted, with damaging winds by far the most widespread hazard. Numerous instances of downed trees and power lines and some property damage were reported. Thunderstorms during the evening hours were also prolific lightning producers. The final round of storms finally moved offshore close to midnight after several hours of severe weather in the region.