Gustnado Causes Damage to New Jersey Neighborhood

Officials believe a gustnado damaged two homes as thunderstorms moved across New Jersey.

The low-powered tornado, packing winds of 60 to 80 mph, struck Monday on Vath Street in Jackson Township.

National Weather Service meteorologist Valerie Meola tells the Asbury Park Press gustnadoes typically form in the outflow boundaries of thunderstorms. Meola says they’re not quite tornadoes, but they do have a rotation to them.

Meola says three weather service staff members visited the area and saw some minor roof damage, downed trees and lawn furniture thrown about.

Eileen Grahn says patio chairs were flying at her and her grill moved across the patio. Her roof sustained damage and a maple tree was stripped of nearly all its branches.