Residents across parts of New Jersey faced a tense Tuesday evening as the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings covering several counties, including Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, Manchester, Toms River, and Lakewood. Though the warnings expired without any confirmed tornado touchdowns, the stormy conditions and related severe weather caused widespread concern and disruptions.
On July 8, 2025, a tornado warning was first issued around 6:40 p.m., covering northern Ocean County, northeastern Burlington County, and southwestern Monmouth County. The National Weather Service's Mount Holly office alerted residents to immediate danger, urging them to seek shelter inside sturdy buildings and avoid windows. The warning was in effect until 7:15 p.m., spanning multiple communities such as Toms River, Lakewood, Jackson, Leisure Village, and Pine Lake Park.
Radar detected wind rotation—a classic sign of a potential tornado—over the Woodruff section of Plumsted, moving east at 20 miles per hour. This prompted the weather service to issue the urgent alert. According to the National Weather Service, “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
In addition to the tornado warning, a severe thunderstorm watch had been active since early afternoon, 1:45 p.m., covering all 21 counties of New Jersey as well as the Philadelphia and New York City metropolitan areas. The storms brought torrential rainfall, raising concerns about flash flooding. The entire state remained under a flood watch from 2 p.m. until midnight, with officials cautioning residents not to drive through flooded roadways.
Power outages added to the evening's troubles. Jersey Central Power & Light reported that 12,174 homes and businesses in Ocean County were without electricity—around 5% of their customers. Most outages were concentrated in northern and western parts of the county, including Point Pleasant, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, and Plumsted. Monmouth County saw fewer outages, with 842 customers affected, primarily in western areas like Colts Neck, Millstone, Manalapan, and Upper Freehold, but also in Long Branch, Oceanport, and Ocean Township.
The National Weather Service emphasized the importance of taking shelter promptly. They advised residents to move to basements or interior rooms on the lowest floors of sturdy buildings and to stay away from windows. For those caught outdoors, in mobile homes, or vehicles, the service urged moving to the closest substantial shelter and protecting oneself from flying debris.
Despite the ominous warnings, by 7:35 p.m., the National Weather Service confirmed that there were no verified tornado touchdowns in any of the affected counties. However, reports came in of strong winds knocking down trees and power lines, particularly in Ocean County, underscoring the severity of the storms.
The warnings also extended to parts of Manchester, Toms River, and Lakewood, where residents were similarly urged to take shelter immediately. The warning included Leisure Village in Lakewood and Pine Lake Park in Manchester. The National Weather Service reiterated the dangers of flying debris and damage to mobile homes, roofs, windows, vehicles, and trees.
Adding to the challenging weather conditions, much of New Jersey was under a heat advisory on July 8, with temperatures climbing into the 90s and humidity making it feel as hot as 102 to 105 degrees. Ocean County saw some of the highest temperatures, with readings reaching 97 to 98 degrees, and Seaside Heights reported 99 degrees. Newark Liberty International Airport recorded a high of 100 degrees in the late afternoon, just five degrees shy of its July 8 record of 105 degrees set in 1993.
The combination of heat, humidity, severe thunderstorms, and tornado warnings made for a particularly stressful day for New Jersey residents. Emergency services and utility companies worked to manage power outages and respond to storm damage. Officials continued to encourage vigilance and preparedness as the severe weather threat loomed over the region.
While the tornado warnings have now expired, the National Weather Service's alerts serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of summer storms in the region. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and heed safety recommendations to protect themselves and their property.
