Collings Lakes, N.J. – A brief tornado touched down in Atlantic County Friday afternoon, damaging trees and peeling metal roof sheeting in the Collings Lakes area.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, the EF-0 tornado struck at 12:52 p.m. and lasted just one minute, carving a half-mile path with peak winds estimated between 65 and 75 mph. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The twister first caused damage along Malaga Road, where large branches were snapped and roofing materials were torn from an outbuilding. The path of destruction continued toward Cains Mill Road and Colton Lane, ending near Cloverdale Lane and Wiltshire Drive. Additional downed limbs were observed farther south, but those were attributed to straight-line winds.
The tornado’s maximum width reached 25 yards. Despite its short duration, residents reported noticeable tree damage throughout the area.
Officials recommend residents check their properties for lingering debris and stay alert during future severe weather events. The storm marked one of the first confirmed tornadoes in South Jersey this spring.
The National Weather Service noted this report remains preliminary and subject to revision pending further analysis. No additional tornadoes have been confirmed in the region at this time.
