Cape May County, New Jersey tornadoes

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11confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1952). Most recent: July 9, 2021, EF1. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

The record

At a glance

Total111950 to 2025
Per year0.1average since 1950
Peak monthJuly3 of 11
StrongestF2May 6, 1956
Deaths0whole paths, see note
Injuries1whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Cape May County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

30 Jan: 0Feb: 0Mar: 0Apr: 0May: 2Jun: 0Jul: 3Aug: 3Sep: 3Oct: 0Nov: 0Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

July is the peak month, with 3 of 11 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 2: 0: 13 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 3: 0: 012 PM: 1: 0: 03 PM: 0: 0: 06 PM: 0: 1: 09 PM: 0: 0: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 9:00 AM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

10 1950: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
4
EF1
5
EF2
2

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Every tornado

All 11 tornadoes, newest first

Tornadoes, newest first
DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jul 9, 2021EF10.94 mi75 yd00
Aug 4, 2020EF14.24 mi150 yd00
Jul 3, 2003F00.1 mi33 yd00
Jul 16, 1995F10.2 mi67 yd00
May 27, 1989F00.1 mi200 yd00
Sep 23, 1986F01 mi30 yd00
Sep 27, 1985F00.1 mi10 yd00
Sep 6, 1979F10.1 mi10 yd01
Aug 27, 1971F228.7 mi40 yd00
May 6, 1956F20.2 mi40 yd00
Aug 10, 1952F139.3 mi100 yd00
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jul 21, 2026Cape May PointNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 12, 2026.