Light to moderate snow will continue into Saturday over the Great Lakes, Central Appalachians, and Northeast. This weekend into next week, a series of atmospheric rivers will bring gusty winds, periods of heavy rain, and mountain snow to northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Colder temperatures are in store for the weekend from the Great Lakes to East Coast. Read More >
Overview
A strong area of low pressure moved through the eastern Great Lakes on March 28, 2021, driving a strong cold front towards the mid-Atlantic coast. Unseasonably warm conditions developed ahead of the cold front. As is typical for such environments in the cool season months, only limited instability, up to around 500J/kg of surface based CAPE, developed ahead of the cold front. However, extreme deep layer (0-6km) shear of near 100 kt and strong mechanical lift associated with the cold front combined with the small amount of instability to cause a squall line to develop. This line moved from west to east across the mid-Atlantic during the very late afternoon and evening hours. The limited instability caused the line to be low topped and to produce little lightning, another common characteristic of cold season severe weather events. However, the strong shear and forcing contributed to the line producing widespread damaging wind across the region. Many measured wind gusts to severe strength (> 50 kt) were recorded, with numerous downed trees and wires causing tens of thousands of power outages across several states. Several mesovorticies were observed on radar, and NWS meteorologists studied multiple areas of enhanced damage for signs of possible brief tornadoes. However, it was concluded that all the damage was most likely due to straight line winds. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported during this event. |
KDIX radar loop of the March 28, 2021 squall line at half hour increments from 2130 UTC 28 March 2021 to 0030 UTC 29 March 2021. |
Synoptic Overview at 12z 28 March 2021 (courtesy of SPC)
Figure 1: 250-mb analysis | Figure 2: 300-mb analysis | Figure 3: 500-mb analysis |
Figure 4: 700-mb analysis | Figure 5: 850-mb analysis | Figure 6: 925-mb analysis |
Synoptic Overview at 00z 29 March 2021 (courtesy of SPC)
Figure 7: 250-mb analysis | Figure 8: 300-mb analysis | Figure 9: 500-mb analysis |
Figure 10: 700-mb analysis | Figure 11: 850-mb analysis | Figure 12: 925-mb analysis |
Surface Maps (courtesy of WPC)
Figure 13: 12z surface map | Figure 14: 15z surface map | Figure 15: 18z surface map |
Figure 16: 21z surface map | Figure 17: 00z surface map | Figure 18: 03z surface map |
Figure 19: 12z Sterling, VA sounding | Figure 20: 12z Wallops Island, VA sounding | Figure 21: 12z Long Island, NY sounding |
Figure 22: 0z Sterling, VA sounding | Figure 23: 0z Wallops Island, VA sounding | Figure 24: 0z Long Island, NY sounding |
Figure 1: National Preliminary Reports 12z 28 March 2021 to 12z 29 March 2021. | Figure 2: Zoomed Preliminary Reports for the same period. | Figure 3: March 28 1630z SPC Convective Outlook. |
NWUS51 KPHI 291030 LSRPHI PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 630 AM EDT MON MAR 29 2021 ...SEVERE WEATHER REPORTS FROM MARCH 28 2021... ..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON... ..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE.... ..REMARKS.. 0615 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NW HONEY BROOK 40.11N 75.93W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE DOWN ONTO WIRES ON RESERVOIR RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0619 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SSW WEST SADSBURY TWP 39.96N 75.97W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE MULTIPLE DOWNED TREE AND WIRE REPORTS ON STRASBURG RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0619 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NNW HIGHLAND TWP. 39.95N 75.88W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR HIGHLAND ROAD AND TIMACULA ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0619 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 S WAGONTOWN 40.00N 75.85W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR ZALESKI ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0625 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 WNW ELK TWP 39.73N 75.90W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR GLEN HOPE ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0625 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 ESE MODENA 39.95N 75.78W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE DOWN BLOCKING MORTONVILLE RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0625 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SSW WEST MARLBOROUGH 39.90N 75.82W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR WINTERWOOD LANE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0631 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SSE DOWNINGTON 39.99N 75.69W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES ON OLD TROLLEY ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0634 PM TSTM WND DMG NORTH STAR 39.76N 75.72W 03/28/2021 NEW CASTLE DE DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DOWNED TREE ON NORTH STAR ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0634 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NNE BROOKSIDE 39.69N 75.72W 03/28/2021 NEW CASTLE DE UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES IN THE WINDY HILLS AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0635 PM TSTM WND GST 2 SW BROOKSIDE 39.65N 75.75W 03/28/2021 M68 MPH NEW CASTLE DE MESONET DE DOT GAUGE. 0635 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 SSE LANDENBERG 39.75N 75.76W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE AND WIRE DOWN AND ON FIRE ON YEATMANS STATION RD AND QUARTZ MILL RD. 0638 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SSW WEST CHESTER 39.95N 75.60W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR COLLEGE AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0638 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SSW WEST CHESTER 39.95N 75.61W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA COUNTY OFFICIAL DOWNED TREE ON ROSEDALE AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0639 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 SSE WEST CHESTER 39.94N 75.58W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR MATLACK STREET. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0639 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NE WASHINGTON 40.78N 74.96W 03/28/2021 WARREN NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND POWER LINES NEAR WESTERVELT ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0639 PM TSTM WND DMG THE CEDARS 39.74N 75.63W 03/28/2021 NEW CASTLE DE UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES IN THE ALBERTSON PARK AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0640 PM TSTM WND DMG BIRMINGHAM TWP 39.89N 75.60W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE AND WIRES DOWN ON CREEK RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0642 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 WNW MILLINGTON 39.26N 75.86W 03/28/2021 KENT MD DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF STATE HIGHWAY 291 AND U.S. HIGHWAY 301. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0642 PM TSTM WND DMG NEW CASTLE 39.66N 75.57W 03/28/2021 NEW CASTLE DE TRAINED SPOTTER A COUPLE OF LIGHT POLES BLOWN OVER IN A PARKING LOT. 0642 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 SSW STARKEY CORNER 39.09N 76.03W 03/28/2021 QUEEN ANNES MD DEPT OF HIGHWAYS OUTFLOW FROM STORMS DOWNED TREES AND WIRES IN PORTIONS OF QUEEN ANNES COUNTY ALONG STATE HIGHWAY 213 NORTH OF CENTREVILLE AND SOUTH OF CHURCH HILL. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0644 PM TSTM WND GST NEW CASTLE COUNTY AIRPO 39.68N 75.61W 03/28/2021 M60 MPH NEW CASTLE DE ASOS KILG ASOS. 0646 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 SSE SASSAFRAS 39.34N 75.77W 03/28/2021 KENT MD UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR GOLFS CALDWELL ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0647 PM TSTM WND DMG CRAGMERE 39.77N 75.49W 03/28/2021 NEW CASTLE DE UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES IN THE BELLEFONTE AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0647 PM TSTM WND GST 1 S ODESSA 39.44N 75.66W 03/28/2021 M76 MPH NEW CASTLE DE DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DEDOT GAUGE AT U.S. HIGHWAY 1 AT THE APPOQUINIMINK RIVER. 0648 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 ENE WILLISTOWN TWP 40.01N 75.48W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE DOWN BLOCKING THE ROAD ON WEST CHESTER PIKE AT DELCHESTER RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0648 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 ENE BERWYN 40.06N 75.41W 03/28/2021 CHESTER PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE DOWN BLOCKING MEADOWBANK RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0650 PM TSTM WND GST SHELLBURNE 39.78N 75.51W 03/28/2021 M64 MPH NEW CASTLE DE DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DEDOT GAUGE AT I-95 AND MARSH ROAD. 0650 PM TSTM WND DMG MIDDLETOWN TWP 39.90N 75.43W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE AND WIRES DOWN ON MIDDLETOWN RD. 0650 PM TSTM WND DMG ASTON TWP 39.87N 75.43W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA PUBLIC MPING REPORT OF LARGE TREE LIMBS OR POWER POLES DOWN. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0650 PM TSTM WND DMG RADNOR TOWNSHIP 40.03N 75.37W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE DOWNED TREE AND WIRES IN RADNOR TWP. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0652 PM TSTM WND DMG BOOTHWYN 39.83N 75.44W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR SECOND AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0652 PM TSTM WND DMG OLDMANS TWP. 39.76N 75.42W 03/28/2021 SALEM NJ UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED WIRES FROM PENNS GROVE TO BECKETT. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0652 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NW WHITEMARSH TWP 40.09N 75.26W 03/28/2021 MONTGOMERY PA UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES IN THE PLYMOUTH MEETING AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0652 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 NNW SERGEANTSVILLE 40.48N 74.97W 03/28/2021 HUNTERDON NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR LOCKTOWN ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0654 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 1 NNE DELAWARE CITY 39.58N 75.59W 03/28/2021 M46 MPH NEW CASTLE DE MESONET 0654 PM TSTM WND DMG CHESTER 39.85N 75.37W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE SEVERAL DOWNED TREE AND WIRE REPORTS IN CHESTER. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0654 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 W SERGEANTSVILLE 40.44N 74.96W 03/28/2021 HUNTERDON NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR ROSEMONT RINGOES ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0655 PM TSTM WND DMG BROOKHAVEN 39.87N 75.38W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA PUBLIC ESTIMATED WINDS OVER 60 MPH WITH DOWNED POWER LINES IN BROOKHAVEN. 0657 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 E DELAWARE TWP 40.45N 74.92W 03/28/2021 HUNTERDON NJ 911 CALL CENTER TREE AND WIRES DOWN NEAR EAST AMWELL. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0657 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 E ABINGTON 40.12N 75.08W 03/28/2021 MONTGOMERY PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE AND WIRES DOWN ACROSS THE ROAD ON WASHINGTON LN AT STOCKTON RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0658 PM TSTM WND DMG MORTON 39.91N 75.32W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF POWER LINES DOWN FROM SYCAMORE HILLS TO BROOMALL. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0658 PM TSTM WND DMG PENN WYNNE 39.99N 75.28W 03/28/2021 MONTGOMERY PA UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES IN THE PENN WYNNE AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0659 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 E ABINGTON 40.12N 75.10W 03/28/2021 MONTGOMERY PA UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED WIRES IN THE ABINGTON AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0700 PM TSTM WND DMG UPPER DARBY TWP 39.96N 75.29W 03/28/2021 DELAWARE PA FIRE DEPT/RESCUE TREE AND WIRES DOWN ON PINE ST. 0700 PM TSTM WND DMG WEST AMWELL TWP 40.36N 74.90W 03/28/2021 HUNTERDON NJ 911 CALL CENTER TREE AND WIRES DOWN IN WEST AMWELL. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0703 PM TSTM WND DMG CHELTENHAM 40.06N 75.11W 03/28/2021 MONTGOMERY PA UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES IN CHELTENHAM AND ELKINS PARK. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0703 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 W STENTON 39.99N 75.18W 03/28/2021 PHILADELPHIA PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR SUSQUEHANNA AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0704 PM TSTM WND DMG NATIONAL PARK 39.86N 75.18W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR GROVE AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0705 PM TSTM WND DMG WESTVILLE 39.87N 75.13W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ TRAINED SPOTTER TREE LIMBS AND UTILITY WIRES DOWN. 0706 PM TSTM WND DMG YARDLEY 40.24N 74.84W 03/28/2021 BUCKS PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES REPORTED IN A FEW LOCATIONS BETWEEN YARDLEY AND MORRISVILLE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0706 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 WSW LANGHORNE 40.17N 74.95W 03/28/2021 BUCKS PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR ARROWHEAD DRIVE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0707 PM TSTM WND DMG DEPTFORD 39.83N 75.16W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ PUBLIC TREES, UTILITY POLES, AND FENCES BLOWN DOWN IN DEPTFORD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0708 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 ESE WOODBURY 39.83N 75.14W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED WIRES NEAR COOPER STREET. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0708 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 E FEASTERVILLE-TREVOS 40.14N 74.94W 03/28/2021 BUCKS PA UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR CANTERBERRY COURT. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0709 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 W PROSPECT PARK 40.24N 74.81W 03/28/2021 MERCER NJ UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR SANHICAN DRIVE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0709 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NW SKILLMAN 40.43N 74.73W 03/28/2021 SOMERSET NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR SERVIS ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0709 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 ESE HOPEWELL 40.38N 74.73W 03/28/2021 MERCER NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR PROVINCE LINE ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0709 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SE NESHANIC STATION 40.50N 74.72W 03/28/2021 SOMERSET NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR ZION ROAD IN NESHANIC. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0710 PM TSTM WND DMG EDGEWATER PARK TWP 40.05N 74.92W 03/28/2021 BURLINGTON NJ NWS EMPLOYEE NWS EMPLOYEE ESTIMATED 60 MPH WIND GUSTS WITH DOWNED FENCING AND TREE BRANCHES. 0710 PM TSTM WND DMG GLASSBORO 39.70N 75.11W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ TRAINED SPOTTER TREE LIMBS AND UTILITY WIRES DOWN. 0711 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NW BLACKWOOD 39.81N 75.08W 03/28/2021 CAMDEN NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR GOOD INTENT ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0712 PM TSTM WND GST HADDON TWP 39.91N 75.05W 03/28/2021 E60 MPH CAMDEN NJ NWS EMPLOYEE NWS EMPLOYEE ESTIMATED 60 MPH WIND GUSTS. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0712 PM TSTM WND DMG HILLSBOROUGH TWP 40.50N 74.67W 03/28/2021 SOMERSET NJ 911 CALL CENTER SIX TO EIGHT POWER POLES AND AROUND 10 TREES REPORTED DOWN IN HILLSBOROUGH. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0714 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 N MONTGOMERY TWP 40.44N 74.68W 03/28/2021 SOMERSET NJ 911 CALL CENTER A FEW REPORTS OF DOWNED TREES AND WIRES ON THE NORTH SIDE OF MONTGOMERY TWP. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0715 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 E BELLE MEAD 40.47N 74.63W 03/28/2021 SOMERSET NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR WILLOW ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0715 PM TSTM WND GST TRENTON 40.22N 74.76W 03/28/2021 M63 MPH MERCER NJ PUBLIC 63 MPH THUNDERSTORM WIND GUST MEASURED VIA A HOME WEATHER STATION. 0715 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NNW CLAYTON 39.68N 75.10W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DOWNED UTILITY POLE ON STATE HIGHWAY 47 SOUTH OF U.S. HIGHWAY 322. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0717 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 WNW FELLOWSHIP 39.93N 74.98W 03/28/2021 CAMDEN NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED UTILITY POLE NEAR CHURCH ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0719 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 ENE WEST WINDSOR TWP. 40.31N 74.62W 03/28/2021 MERCER NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR CLARKSVILLE ROAD AND PENN LYLE ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0720 PM TSTM WND DMG WILLIAMSTOWN 39.69N 74.98W 03/28/2021 GLOUCESTER NJ PUBLIC MULTIPLE TRANFORMERS OBSERVED BLOWING OUT IN WILLIAMSTOWN. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0720 PM TSTM WND GST 1 NE MAGNOLIA 39.09N 75.46W 03/28/2021 M60 MPH KENT DE DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DEDOT GAUGE NEAR STATE ROUTE 1 AND TRAP SHOOTERS ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0721 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 ESE SICKLERVILLE 39.71N 74.95W 03/28/2021 CAMDEN NJ UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREES AND WIRES IN SICKLERVILLE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0726 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NNE MILFORD 38.94N 75.42W 03/28/2021 KENT DE UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED UTILITY POLE AND WIRES NEAR NEW WHARF ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0727 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 NE ALLENTOWN 40.20N 74.56W 03/28/2021 MERCER NJ NWS EMPLOYEE TREE AND WIRES DOWN ON OLD YORK RD. ROAD CLOSED BETWEEN PERRINEVILE RD AND SHARON RD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0727 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 NE JOBSTOWN 40.06N 74.66W 03/28/2021 BURLINGTON NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR MOUNT PLEASANT ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0727 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 WNW EAST BRUNSWICK 40.42N 74.43W 03/28/2021 MIDDLESEX NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR DUNHAMS CORNER ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0730 PM MARINE TSTM WIND FORTESCUE 39.24N 75.18W 03/28/2021 M45 MPH CUMBERLAND NJ MESONET NJWXNET GAUGE. 0733 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 SSE SOUTH RIVER 40.43N 74.37W 03/28/2021 MIDDLESEX NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR DONALD ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0736 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 ESE CLARKSBURG 40.18N 74.41W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES ON CARRS TAVERN ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0737 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SE PARLIN 40.45N 74.30W 03/28/2021 MIDDLESEX NJ DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DOWNED UTILITY POLE ON U.S. HIGHWAY 9 NEAR ERNSTON ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0738 PM TSTM WND GST JOINT BASE MDL 40.02N 74.59W 03/28/2021 M70 MPH BURLINGTON NJ AWOS MCGUIRE AFB AWOS. 0738 PM TSTM WND DMG MATAWAN 40.42N 74.23W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ TRAINED SPOTTER SOME LARGE TREES DOWN IN MATAWAN. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0740 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 W MATAWAN 40.41N 74.26W 03/28/2021 MIDDLESEX NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR OLD BRIDGE MATAWAN ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0742 PM TSTM WND DMG MARLBORO 40.32N 74.25W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ PUBLIC NUMEROUS TREES DOWN IN MARLBORO. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0743 PM TSTM WND DMG 5 ESE NEW EGYPT 40.03N 74.44W 03/28/2021 OCEAN NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND WIRES NEAR PINEHURST ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0746 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NNW HAZLET 40.43N 74.19W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ DEPT OF HIGHWAYS DOWNED TREE AND WIRES ON STATE HIGHWAY 36 NEAR MIDDLE ROAD IN HAZLET TWP. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0752 PM TSTM WND DMG 2 E LAKEHURST 40.01N 74.27W 03/28/2021 OCEAN NJ TRAINED SPOTTER NUMEROUS TREES AND WIRES DOWN IN THE LEISURE VILLAGE WEST AND PINE LAKE PARK AREAS OF MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0752 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 SSW TINTON FALLS 40.28N 74.10W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR SQUANKUM ROAD. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0754 PM TSTM WND DMG ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS 40.41N 74.04W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ UTILITY COMPANY SEVERAL REPORTS OF DOWNED TREE LIMBS AND POWER LINES IN THE ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS AREA. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0756 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 WSW OAKHURST 40.26N 74.03W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ UTILITY COMPANY DOWNED TREES AND WIRES NEAR LINCOLN AVENUE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0800 PM TSTM WND DMG NEPTUNE TWP 40.22N 74.07W 03/28/2021 MONMOUTH NJ EMERGENCY MNGR DAMAGE REPORTED ON NEW YORK RD. DOWNED ROAD SIGNS AND A POSSIBLE PARTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE. TIME ESTIMATED FROM RADAR. 0810 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 2 SSW MANTOLOKING 40.01N 74.06W 03/28/2021 M46 MPH OCEAN NJ MESONET WXFLOW SENSOR. 0812 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 5 SE MYSTIC ISLAND 39.51N 74.32W 03/28/2021 M42 MPH OCEAN NJ MESONET HADS SENSOR. 0815 PM MARINE TSTM WIND NORTH WILDWOOD 39.01N 74.80W 03/28/2021 M48 MPH CAPE MAY NJ MESONET 0816 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 2 SW BEACH HAVEN 39.54N 74.26W 03/28/2021 M43 MPH OCEAN NJ MESONET 0828 PM MARINE TSTM WIND INDIAN BEACH 38.68N 75.08W 03/28/2021 M54 MPH SUSSEX DE MESONET WXFLOW SENSOR. && $$ CMS/MJG/JEO
PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT National Weather Service MOUNT HOLLY NJ 1049 AM EDT Mon Mar 29 2021 ...UPDATE ON STORM DAMAGE FROM SUNDAY EVENING... The National Weather Service in Mount Holly received numerous reports of damage caused by a line of showers and thunderstorms which moved through the region on Sunday evening. Several wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were measured across southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Based on an analysis of the damage, radar data, coordination with local emergency management, and eyewitness accounts, it has been determined that all damage reports received so far were due to straight line winds. This includes in Neptune Twp, New Jersey, where very prelminary accounts from first responders on Sunday evening led to speculation of a possible tornado. Damage in that area, including to the roof of the America's Best Value Inn, was consistent with straight line winds of around 70 mph, which likely caused the roof to peel off. The National Weather Service will continue to investigate any additional damage reports should they be received, and would like to thank the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, and the Neptune Twp Office of Emergency Management, for their assistance. $$ JEO/JJM
Notable Radar Imagery (GR2Analyst)
Figure 1: KDIX radar reflectivity factor (left) and base velocity (right) for the 0.5 degree elevation angle valid at 2229 UTC 28 March 2021. By this time, numerous reports of wind damage were beginning to occur as the line intensified. The downstream environment supported continued maintenance of the squall line all the way to the Atlantic coast, prompting the issance of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for most of New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware as it moved east. | Figure 2: KDIX radar reflectivity factor (left) and storm relative motion (SRM, right) valid at 2304 UTC 28 March 2021. As the line progressed eastward, several attempted mesovortex generations occurred. These circulations can sometimes produce brief tornadoes intertwined with more widespread straight line wind damage. One such example occurred here, very near Philadelphia International Airport. A hook feature is seen in the reflectivity, with a weak but well-defined area of rotation in the SRM. |
Figure 3: Same as Figure 1 valid at 2327 UTC 28 March 2021. Some bowing segments also developed along the line as it moved eastward, which led to areas of greater wind damage. One such segment passed near the Mount Holly, NJ area, not far from the NWS office. NWS meteorologists estimated winds of around 50 mph as the storms passed, but higher wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph likely occurred very nearby, with numerous reports of damage and power outages in the vicinity. | Figure 4: A KDIX along-line radar reflectivity cross-section, for the same time and area as Figure 3. The shallow nature of this squall line is evident. Convective cloud tops extend to a height of barely 20,000 feet, and the height of the 50 dbz echo (red pixels) is mainly below 10,000 ft. This is typical of cold season environments with strong shear and forcing but weak instability. The line produced very little lightning as it moved east, though some electrical activity did occur, with a couple of lightning flashes noted by NWS meteorologists as the line passed over the office. |
Figure 5: Same as Figure 2 valid at 0000 UTC 29 March 2021. The most publicized damage report from this event came in the area of Neptune Twp, NJ. A motel had a large section of its roof removed, and a couple of small boats were shifted from a back bay onto a street in the same area. Radar at the time showed an east-northeast moving bowing segment approaching the area. SRM showed some evidence of weak rotation in the area, but it was very broad and ill-defined, though the KDIX radar does not have a favorable viewing angle for velocity data in that area. The nature of the damage, which involved a transport of debris in a broadly west to east direction, suggested straight line winds were most likely responsible, and that building design and construction likely contributed to the roofing loss at the affected motel. | Figure 6: Same as Figure 2 valid at 0004 UTC 29 March 2021, just a few minutes after the image in Figure 5. A bit further south along the New Jersey shore, another mesovortex, perhaps the most impressive of the event, is seen northeast of Toms River, approaching the coast. An area of fairly well-defined rotation is seen in the SRM. However, like all such signatures in this event, the rotation was very fleeting, and had dissipated within a couple of minutes. It cannot be entirely ruled out that one or more brief tornado touchdowns occurred in the local area, but no conclusive evidence of such was found. |