High Wind — Western Cape May, New Jersey

2021-04-30 · Western Cape May, New Jersey

Event narrative

Gusts to near 60 mph likely occurred based on measurements in the coastal portion of the county, and a few reports of power outages were received.

Wider weather episode

An unseasonably strong weather system affected the mid-Atlantic on April 30, 2021. A cold front moved through the region in the predawn hours of April 30, associated with low pressure moving into coastal New England. An upper level disturbance and a secondary cold front then approached late in the day on the 30th. This system interacted with the departing low pressure over New England, causing that low to rapidly intensify as it began moving towards the Canadian maritimes. With high pressure over the Midwest, this led to a very strong pressure gradient over the mid-Atlantic. Combined with strong dynamics associated with the secondary cold front, a lengthy period of windy conditions developed for much of the day on the 30th. Widespread wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph, with some gusts of 60 to 65 mph, occurred. This, combined with many trees across the region already bearing leaves, led to numerous instances of tree damage and power outages across the region. Scattered showers associated with the secondary front also helped to locally enhance wind damage. Winds finally began to decrease by the night of the 30th as the gradient gradually weakened.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 956289. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.