CAPE MAY COUNTY, N.J., July 22 (Reuters) – Two waterspouts formed over Delaware Bay on Tuesday, one transitioning into a brief tornado that struck Cape May County. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 5:47 p.m. local time.
A severe storm line triggered the rare dual waterspout event. Bob Mullins captured video of the first waterspout from Lewes Beach, Delaware. The second waterspout came ashore at Cape May Point. The tornado touched down briefly, downing trees and flooding roadways. A flash flood warning remains in effect until 2:45 a.m. Wednesday.
Meteorologists attribute the phenomenon to high wind shear and atmospheric instability. The storm line moved rapidly across the Delaware Bay, producing two simultaneous waterspouts. The brief tornado struck a sparsely populated area, limiting damage. Power outages were reported across southern Cape May County.
The event is part of a broader severe weather outbreak across the Tri-State Area. In northern New Jersey, the National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes—one in Stanhope and another in Parsippany. Both touched down earlier Tuesday, causing structural damage but no reported injuries.
Video evidence amplified public awareness. Ella Rossi and Quinn Patton also captured footage of the waterspout before the tornado warning. The videos, featured by 6abc, show the waterspout rotating over the bay before moving ashore. The NWS used radar data and eyewitness reports to issue the warning.
Emergency alerts were sent via NOAA Weather Radio and local law enforcement channels. The National Weather Service urged residents to seek shelter immediately. The brief tornado duration—less than two minutes—limited the potential for casualties.
Climate analysis suggests such dual waterspout events remain rare along the New Jersey coast. However, warmer sea surface temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture may elevate future risks. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tracks tornado frequencies in coastal regions, noting no upward trend for New Jersey as of 2026.
Residents are advised to monitor weather alerts during severe storm seasons. The Cape May County Office of Emergency Management recommends having a NOAA Weather Radio and a designated shelter plan. The July 2026 event underscores the unpredictability of waterspout-to-tornado transitions.
| Event | Location | Time (EDT) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual waterspouts | Delaware Bay | 5:47 p.m. | 10 minutes |
| Brief tornado | Cape May Point | 6:02 p.m. | Under 2 minutes |
| Confirmed tornado 1 | Stanhope, N.J. | 4:30 p.m. | 5 minutes |
| Confirmed tornado 2 | Parsippany, N.J. | 5:15 p.m. | 3 minutes |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What caused the dual waterspouts and brief tornado in Cape May County?
- A: The event was triggered by a severe storm line with high wind shear and atmospheric instability, producing two simultaneous waterspouts over Delaware Bay, one of which transitioned into a brief tornado.
- Q: When did the tornado warning go into effect and where?
- A: The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at 5:47 p.m. local time on July 22 for Cape May County, New Jersey, after waterspouts formed and one struck the area.
- Q: What damage was reported from the brief tornado?
- A: The tornado downed trees and flooded roadways, but damage was limited as it struck a sparsely populated area. Power outages were reported across southern Cape May County.
- Q: Is this event part of a larger weather pattern?
- A: Yes, it is part of a broader severe weather outbreak across the Tri-State Area, with two additional tornadoes confirmed in Stanhope and Parsippany, New Jersey, earlier that day.
Extended Reading
For real-time updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management, refer to the original reports from NBC10 Philadelphia (source ), CBS New York (source ), and 6abc Philadelphia (source ).