Tropical Storm Elsa approached the mid-Atlantic states from the south on July 8. Downstream of Elsa, a warm and moist environment was present. A slow moving frontal boundary also resided over northern New Jersey, northern Pennsylvania, and into New York. This frontal system provided forcing for convective development over the mid-Atlantic, in fairly close proximity but unrelated to Tropical Storm Elsa. With strong instability and weak to moderate wind shear, some of the storms became severe as they organized into linear and multi-cellular clusters. Deep layer southerly flow in advance of Elsa caused storms to move northward as opposed to a more typical eastward motion. Damaging wind was the main hazard associated with these storms, with several strong downbursts noted. Storm activity eventually weakened and moved north of the region by evening as Elsa moved in.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 14:45:00 to 08-JUL-21 14:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST FREEHOLD
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were snapped and patio furniture was overturned. A personal weather station measured gusts over 50 mph. Based on a video provided of the incident, actual wind speeds were likely higher. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 15:08:00 to 08-JUL-21 15:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: GREEN GROVE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A tree was downed on the NJ-18 northbound ramp to Exit 11. Time estimated from radar.

Lightning in SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:38:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:38:00 (EST-5)
Location: GREEN KNOLL
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Lightning struck a power pole and started a fire on Mount Vernon Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 14:13:00 to 08-JUL-21 14:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEDMINSTER
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were downed in the area of Bedminster and Far Hills. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 14:15:00 to 08-JUL-21 14:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLADSTONE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Trees were downed in Peapack. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 15:48:00 to 08-JUL-21 15:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Measured at Sandy Hook.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:13:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: WASHINGTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A tree was downed on NJ-31 northbound north of NJ-57/Washington Ave. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 15:13:00 to 08-JUL-21 15:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIR HAVEN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Tree limbs and wires were downed in Red Bank. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 14:45:00 to 08-JUL-21 14:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTHARD
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A strong downburst or microburst occurred in the area of Howell Twp. Trees were uprooted and power poles were downed near the intersection of Route 524 and Howell Rd. Numerous damage reports were received from the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 14:49:00 to 08-JUL-21 14:49:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOWELL
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous trees were downed north of Howell. A social media showed a very strong burst of wind with speeds likely around 70 mph. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:16:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: DELAWARE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A tree was downed on US-46 eastbound near CR-616/Knowlton Rd. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in MORRIS, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 16:50:00 to 08-JUL-21 16:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: BARTLEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Trees down onto wires resulted in power outages near Chester Twp. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:30:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIEGEL RIDGE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Trees and wires were downed in Holland Twp. Time estimated from radar and dispatch reports.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:55:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUDLOW ASBURY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

A tree was down on Valley Station Rd in Bethlehem Twp. Time estimated from radar and dispatch report.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 15:11:00 to 08-JUL-21 15:11:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEW MONMOUTH
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple trees were downed near Middletown Twp. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:28:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: PERRYVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Power lines and several large branches were downed at a residence in Union Twp. Time estimated from radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 13:57:00 to 08-JUL-21 13:57:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHITEHOUSE STATION
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A video showed very strong microburst winds with lawn and patio furniture being blown over and limbs being blown out of trees. Several trees were uprooted as a result.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 17:16:00 to 08-JUL-21 17:16:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIRMOUNT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Trees were downed in Tewksbury Twp. Time estimated from radar and dispatch reports.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 13:55:00 to 08-JUL-21 13:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: READINGTON
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A video showed strong microburst winds in Readington. Several trees were uprooted in the area which also brought down power lines. Time estimated from radar and another nearby report of the same microburst.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 08-JUL-21 14:51:00 to 08-JUL-21 14:51:00 (EST-5)
Location: ADELPHIA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

An mPing report of a tree down.