Downed tree - file photo
Downed Tree - File Photo

EF-0 tornado confirmed in Buena Vista Township as storms sweep South Jersey

by
May 18, 2025
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The brief tornado caused minimal disruption but was part of a fast-moving weather system that brought alerts across South Jersey.

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A brief EF-0 tornado touched down Friday afternoon in Atlantic County as severe weather moved through southern New Jersey, the National Weather Service confirmed following a damage survey.

The tornado developed in the Collings Lakes section of Buena Vista Township at 12:52 p.m. and remained on the ground for approximately one minute. It traveled roughly half a mile before dissipating, with estimated peak winds between 65 and 75 mph and a path width of 25 yards.

Officials said the tornado was part of a larger thunderstorm system that prompted warnings across the region. No injuries or major structural damage were reported in connection with the event.

“An EF-0 is the weakest tornado on the six-level severity scale that’s used by the weather service,” the agency stated in its report Friday evening. The Enhanced Fujita scale classifies tornadoes from EF-0 to EF-5, with EF-0 indicating limited wind damage.

A storm assessment team from the National Weather Service was dispatched to the area after reports of downed limbs and isolated wind damage emerged during the storm’s passage.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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