MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A landspout tornado with peak winds of 80 mph swept through Lawrence Township in Mercer County on Friday afternoon as severe thunderstorms lashed the state with heavy rain and strong winds.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that the tornado formed near a Conoco gas station in Lawrence Township and lasted from 5:59 PM to 6:00 PM. The tornado traveled a path of approximately 229 yards with a maximum width of 60 yards.
The NWS storm survey revealed that the tornado caused significant damage, snapping and uprooting several trees and flipping about a half dozen vehicles. The twister also damaged the gas station, where trees fell onto the service station, and snapped a large sign.
The tornado continued its brief but destructive journey to a nearby post office, where it overturned multiple cars in the parking lot. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported.
The tornado’s path was measured at 0.13 miles long, highlighting the intensity and concentrated impact of the storm.