Atlantic County residents should remain weather-aware through this evening as the National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch 68, effective until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16. The watch was issued from the Mount Holly office at 11:30 a.m. and covers our entire region along with neighboring counties across New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
While a tornado watch doesn't mean a tornado is currently occurring, it signals that atmospheric conditions are ripe for severe weather development. Strong wind shear, atmospheric instability, and lift are all present in our area, creating an environment where tornadoes could form.
What This Means for Our Community
In addition to Atlantic County, the watch extends across Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties in New Jersey. Major cities including Atlantic City, Camden, Cherry Hill, Hammonton, Ocean City, and Toms River are all within the watch area.
Now is the time to review your family's safety plan and ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather updates. A tornado watch is your cue to prepare, not panic—but preparation is essential.
Know the Difference: Watch vs. Warning
Understanding weather terminology can save lives. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornado development—think of it as "be ready." A tornado warning, however, is far more urgent. It means a tornado has been spotted by trained observers or detected on radar, and you should take shelter immediately.
Warnings come in two forms: radar-indicated, where rotation is detected and a tornado may be forming, and confirmed, where a tornado has actually been spotted or a debris signature appears on radar. Both require immediate action.
How to Stay Safe
If a tornado warning is issued for our area, the National Weather Service recommends getting as low as possible—a basement or lowest floor of a sturdy building offers the greatest protection. Put as many walls as possible between yourself and the outside, and stay away from windows.
Don't be fooled by common misconceptions: tornadoes can and do move across hills and bodies of water. Living near the coast or on elevated ground doesn't provide natural protection.
For those driving during severe weather, never attempt to outrun a tornado. They can change direction without warning and move faster than you might expect. If possible, safely exit the roadway and seek shelter in a sturdy building. If no building is available, avoid highway overpasses—they can actually act as wind tunnels, making conditions more dangerous. Instead, lie flat in the nearest ditch or depression and cover your head with your arms.
Stay Connected
Keep your phone charged and volume up to receive emergency alerts. Monitor local weather radar and have a battery-powered weather radio on hand in case of power outages. Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance with their safety plans.
Our community has weathered severe weather before, and staying informed is our best defense. Continue monitoring weather conditions throughout the day, and don't hesitate to take shelter if conditions deteriorate. The watch remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. this evening.
