The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Estell Manor during a series of severe storms that moved across South Jersey on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The brief tornado formed at approximately 4:41 p.m. in an inaccessible wooded or marshy area about 4 miles southeast of Estell Manor. It remained on the ground for approximately 30 seconds or less.
Video recorded along the Great Egg Harbor River in the English Creek section of Egg Harbor Township captured the tornado across the river. The National Weather Service reviewed the footage, radar data and information from first responders before confirming the touchdown Saturday.
No injuries were reported, and investigators found no damage that could be definitively attributed to the tornado.
The tornado was classified as EF-U, meaning its strength was unknown. Because the area was inaccessible and no related damage could be examined, meteorologists were unable to estimate the tornado’s wind speed, path length or width.
The confirmation came after emergency alerts sounded on cellphones throughout parts of Atlantic County, warning residents to seek shelter. Although many people did not see a funnel cloud or other visible evidence of a tornado, the warnings were issued after dangerous rotation was detected in the region.
Severe weather continued later that evening in Cape May County.
At approximately 7:07 p.m., radar confirmed a waterspout just offshore near North Cape May. The waterspout was moving east at 45 mph and appeared to be heading toward land, prompting another tornado warning for southwestern Cape May County.
The warning included Cape May, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Avalon, Stone Harbor and several surrounding communities. No subsequent reports indicated that the waterspout moved ashore or caused damage.
A waterspout is a rotating column of air over water. If it reaches land, it is classified as a tornado.
The confirmed tornado in Estell Manor and the waterspout near the Cape May County shoreline demonstrated why emergency weather alerts should be taken seriously, even when dangerous conditions are not immediately visible.
A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop and residents should remain alert. A tornado warning is more urgent. It means a tornado has been spotted or radar has detected rotation capable of producing one.
When a tornado warning is issued, people should move to a basement when one is available. Otherwise, they should shelter in a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Bathrooms, closets and interior hallways may offer additional protection.
Residents should not wait to see a tornado before seeking shelter. Tornadoes can be obscured by rain, clouds, trees or darkness, leaving little time to react once they become visible.
