Tornado Warning In 4 NJ Counties As 10K Without Power

A tornado warning was issued for four New Jersey counties as a severe thunderstorm threat remained on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. More than 10,000 were without power as the storm passed through.

A tornado apparently touched down near the New Jersey Turnpike. Read more: Possible Tornado Reportedly Touches Down Near NJ Turnpike

The tornado warning was issued for Hunterdon, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties. The warning was supposed to end at 4:45 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over the Philadelphia suburbs, or 11 miles northeast of Wilmington, moving east at 20 mph in South Jersey on Saturday afternoon.

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed, according to the NWS.

Damage to roofs, window, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely, according to the National Weather Service.

Numerous showers and thunderstorms, meanwhile, continued to develop across New Jersey on Saturday. Flooding was reported in some towns, and a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Monmouth, Atlantic, Camden, Ocean, Warren, Hunterdon, Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Burlington counties.

More than 10,000 people were without power on Saturday – 9,000 of whom were in Ocean County:

1. Stafford Twp 4,435
2. LACEY TOWNSHIP 3,744
3. BERKELEY TOWNSHIP 711
4. OCEAN TOWNSHIP 684
5. FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 154
6. HOWELL TOWNSHIP 147
7. WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP 96
8. Little Egg Harbor Twp 91
9. PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP 77
10. Barnegat Twp 62
11. TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP 55
12. LONG BRANCH CITY 39
13. MANALAPAN TOWNSHIP 39
14. MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP 35
15. BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP 31
16. Ship Bottom Boro 28
17. MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP 24
18. BRICK TOWNSHIP 8
19. LITTLE SILVER BOROUGH 6
20. Eagleswood Twp 6

These storms were capable of heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning, according to the National Weather Service.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office also reported:

• Use caution in the area of 69.3 north on the Parkway due to a accident. Expect delays in the area.
• In Stafford Township, use caution on Route 72 multiple lights out and flooding. Do not drive thru flooded roads. New Jersey DOT aware and working on it.

Police in Barnegat said: "Please be advised there is severe flooding on several streets within the township. We are asking residents to remain inside ... The concert scheduled for tonight at the Barnegat Docks has been moved to the Brackman Middle School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m."

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Take shelter if threatening weather approaches, the NWS says.

Here's what else you should know:

• At 2 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was located over Middlesex and Monmouth counties, moving east at 25 mph.
• Wind gusts up to 60 mph and pea-size hail were possible with this storm.
• Torrential rainfall was also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
• Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.