70 MPH Straight-Line Winds Damaged Neptune Motel: Weather Service

NEPTUNE, NJ — Straight-line winds were responsible for tearing off part of the roof of a Neptune motel during Sunday's storm, strewing debris over a significant area, the National Weather Service said Monday.

The weather service said its analysis of the damage in the area, including to the roof of America's Best Value Inn, just off Route 35, was consistent with straight-line winds of 70 mph "which likely caused the roof to peel off."

The damage happened about 8 p.m. Sunday during a fast-moving storm that hit the region, bringing with it heavy rain that lasted less than 10 minutes.

The Neptune Office of Emergency Management said one person was injured in a crash trying to avoid blowing storm debris, but there were no other injuries, either at the inn or at the Headliner and Simko's Grill nearby. Both suffered nonstructural damage, Neptune officials said.

The residents and staff at the motel were evacuated and relocated by Neptune EMS, officials said. They received assistance on Monday from the Neptune Township Special Operations Rescue in retrieving belongings from the Inn, and Monmouth County's Office of Social Services was working to assist residents with relocation.

The Special Operations Rescue personnel also assisted with damage assessment with the Neptune Township Code and Construction department, officials said. Public works crews worked through the night to clear the roads and surrounding area of debris.

In addition to debris blown around, the wind brought down utility poles and wires and damaged several vehicles, officials said.

The storm knocked out power, but Neptune officials said it had been restored to the majority of the neighborhood, with the exception of the motel and other damaged structures.

National Weather Service officials said while preliminary accounts from first responders led to speculation of a tornado, the damage, radar data and discussions with local officials and eyewitnesses led to the conclusion that it was straight-line winds.

"The National Weather Service will continue to investigate any additional damage reports should they be received," the service said.

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