New Jersey's Windy Friday: What Happened and Why It Matters

New Jersey experienced a windy Friday, with gusts reaching up to 56 mph. These winds were part of a strong storm system that swept through the region. The strongest gusts were recorded in Bergen County at Teterboro Airport, while Salem County saw winds up to 52 mph in Lower Alloways Creek. The winds were powerful enough to cause over 12, 000 power outages across the state by 9 a. m. Friday. Wind advisories were in effect for all 21 counties until 1 a. m. Saturday, as the gusts posed a risk of knocking down trees and power lines.The National Weather Service and the Rutgers NJ Weather Network reported the strongest wind gusts in various counties. For instance, in Atlantic County, the highest gust was 47 mph at Atlantic City Marina, while in Ocean County, it was 46 mph in Harvey Cedars. Even though the heaviest rain had passed, another wave of strong winds was expected to hit later in the afternoon and evening. This highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes. It's crucial to understand that these weather events are not just about the numbers. They have real impacts on people's lives, causing power outages and potential damage to property. This serves as a reminder to always stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions.