National Weather ServiceNew JerseyTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in New Jersey
The National Weather Service issued 1 tornado watches for New Jersey in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 33rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 5, 105% above the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Cumberland was covered most often (40 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does New Jersey get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of New Jersey. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2008 | 5 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does New Jersey get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in New Jersey?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland | 40 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Salem | 40 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Gloucester | 39 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Camden | 38 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Cape May | 38 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Atlantic | 37 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Burlington | 36 | 9 | August 20, 2026 |
| Ocean | 31 | 7 | July 28, 2026 |
| Hunterdon | 29 | 7 | July 21, 2026 |
| Mercer | 29 | 8 | July 21, 2026 |
| Middlesex | 27 | 7 | July 21, 2026 |
| Warren | 27 | 7 | July 21, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in New Jersey.