On February 21, 2023, an EF-2 tornado touched down in parts of Mercer County, NJ. This tornado was 200 yards wide and went six miles before lifting-lasting 6 minutes in total. According to the National Weather Service’s New Jersey Office, the winds ranged from 110 mph to 115 mph.
The strong winds caused damage to buildings, trees, and vehicles. Collectively, there was about $100,000 worth of damage in Lawrence Township and West Windsor. “Sheran Boddie, Lawrence township resident stated, “I heard the thunder first. No lightning, just thunder. Then the rain came, and then the wind came right after that- but it was the strongest wind I ever felt,”.
This rare February tornado is the first to touch down in the state of New Jersey since 1999 according to the National Weather Service. In Lawrence Township, there were at least 60 residents displaced from their homes and are currently receiving help from the American Red Cross Volunteers of America. There are no reported injuries reported from this natural disaster. “We’ll help out in whatever way we can,” said the New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy. “Another reminder climate change is real, and New Jersey is exposed as about any place in America.” he added.