The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado struck the Stanhope and Hopatcong areas in Sussex County on Tuesday evening during a powerful storm system that moved through northern New Jersey.
An EF-1 tornado is defined by wind speeds between 86 and 110 miles per hour (138–177 km/h). The tornado was part of a larger weather system that brought multiple confirmed and reported tornadoes across several states.
What Happened
The storm system arrived quickly and with significant force. Meteorologists reported that the entire event — from the storm’s development to its passage — lasted less than an hour.
In Stanhope and surrounding areas, strong winds knocked trees onto homes and vehicles, damaged power lines, and caused widespread power outages.
Residents reported flashes of green and blue light following damage to the electrical system, along with loud and unusual sounds during the storm.
On Route 206, near the Interstate 280 exit, a fallen tree struck a power line and caused a fire.
School Evacuated During Athletic Banquet
One of the most dramatic moments occurred at Lenape Valley Regional High School, where an athletic team banquet was taking place as the storm moved through the area.
School Principal Paul Dirupo said everyone inside the building was moved to a safer area until the danger passed. Afterward, students, families, and guests were safely evacuated, one family at a time.
No one inside the school was injured.
However, outside the building, four people inside a vehicle in the school parking lot faced a dangerous situation when a tree fell directly onto the car. They were able to get out on their own and, according to available information, did not suffer serious injuries.
Damage around the school was significant. Trees were uprooted, the entrance was damaged, and baseball equipment was pushed by the strong winds. The school remained closed the following day.
Power Outages and Flooding Reported
In Stanhope alone, approximately 1,500 of JCP&L’s 1,700 customers lost power after the storm.
Heavy rainfall also caused flash flooding in other parts of northern New Jersey. In some areas, streets turned into fast-moving streams, forcing some drivers to abandon their vehicles.
In Hackensack, one driver had to escape through a vehicle window after the car was suddenly surrounded by floodwater.
Additional Tornadoes Under Investigation
National Weather Service teams are continuing to assess reports of additional tornado activity, including a possible tornado in Parsippany-Troy Hills and a possible tornado or waterspout near Cape May County.
No serious injuries have been reported in those areas.
Officials Urge Caution
National Weather Service teams continue conducting field surveys to determine the exact path and strength of the storm.
Residents in affected areas are urged to remain cautious around fallen trees, damaged structures, and possible downed power lines as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.
Sources: CBS News New York, ABC7 New York, NBC New York, Patch (Morristown, Mendham-Chester), 6abc Philadelphia