Tornado Confirmed in Cape May After Severe Storms Hit NJ

Cape May, N.J. — The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado briefly touched down in Cape May during a round of severe thunderstorms late Tuesday afternoon.

Following a survey on Wednesday, officials said a waterspout, which is simply a tornado over water, was observed moving onshore at the beach at Cape May Point. When a waterspout comes ashore, it becomes a tornado by definition.

A narrow path of tree damage was noted along Lincoln Avenue, Yale Avenue, and near the intersection of Oxford Avenue and West Lake Drive, not too far from the Cape May Lighthouse.

At least one witness saw the funnel cloud proceed into Lake Lily, but no other damage was noted.

Tornado confirmed in Cape May, NJ, on July 21, 2026 - Photo: Google Maps / Canva

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The tornado, which was on the ground for only about one or two minutes, was officially rated an EF-0 with estimated peak winds of 60 to 70 MPH.

Tornado warnings in Cape May County, NJ, on July 21, 2026 - Photo: NWS radar via RadarScope app

Its path ran for about one-quarter of a mile, and it was about 90 feet wide.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com