List of New Jersey hurricanes

Hurricane Sandy approaching the New Jersey coastline the morning of October 29, 2012.

A New Jersey hurricane is a tropical cyclone originating in the Atlantic Ocean that affects the state of New Jersey. Due to its location, few hurricanes have hit the state directly, though numerous hurricanes have passed near or through New Jersey in its history. About every 10 years, hurricanes approach the coastline close enough to send waves over barrier islands' dunes and into back bays. According to an estimate by meteorologist George Prouflis, the chances for a direct hit by a hurricane on the Jersey shore each year is 1 in 200.^[1]

New Jersey has seen the remnants of several once-powerful hurricanes, some resulting in heavy damage. In addition, numerous hurricanes that remained offshore have each drowned small numbers of swimmers.

List of tropical cyclones

Most of the following are tropical cyclones that passed through the state after weakening from their peak.

Pre–1900

In the 19th century, two hurricanes struck the coastline, each in 1804 and in 1821; both caused minor damage. The most significant storm of the century was the Gale of 1878, which produced hurricane-force winds across western New Jersey. The hurricane caused severe damage and 11 deaths.

• 1278–1438 – Though New Jersey hurricane history is unknown prior to initial European contact in 1524, sedimentary layers indicate a powerful hurricane hit the state's coastline during this time period.^[2]
• October 9, 1804 – The Storm of October 1804 strikes near Atlantic City as a strong Category 2 or weak Category 3 hurricane, sinking or beaching many ships in the Mid–Atlantic. The hurricane later produces a snow storm in New England.^[3]
• August 23, 1806 – A ship off Barnegat Island sinks during the 1806 Great Coastal hurricane, killing 21 people.^[4]
• September 22, 1815 – The Great September Gale of 1815 causes heavy damage along the New Jersey coastline while remaining offshore, though exact totals are unknown.^[5]
• August 9, 1817 – A tropical storm moves through the western portion of the state.^[6]
• September 3, 1821 – The 1821 Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane hits near Cape May as a Category 4 hurricane. Accompanied by a five-foot storm surge, damage is great in the small town, though is only moderate along the coastline due to the sparse population. No known deaths are associated with the hurricane in the state.^[7]
• August 30, 1839 – A hurricane that remains offshore of the state forced the floating light in Sandy Hook to break loose and set adrift.^[8]
• October 3, 1841 – A hurricane that remains offshore caused a mixture of rain and snow in New Brunswick.^[9]
• October 13, 1846 – The Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 passes near or over the state, destroying many houses, downing many trees, and drowning several livestock.^[10]
• July 18, 1850 – A tropical storm passes to the west of the state, causing heavy rain and crop damage in Burlington.^[11]
• August 25, 1850 – A hurricane passes just south of Cape May, causing over 3 inches (8 cm) of rain in New Brunswick.^[12]
• September 8, 1850 – A hurricane parallels the coastline offshore, causing high winds and 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) of rain in Newark.^[13]
• September 28, 1861 – A strong tropical storm passes over the state, though its effects are unknown.^[14]
• September 19, 1863 – A moderate tropical storm crosses the state, though its effects are unknown.^[14]
• October 30, 1866 – A moderate tropical storm brushes the northeastern portion of the state before entering New York, though its effects are unknown.^[14]
• October 26, 1872 – Approaching from Delaware, a tropical storm moves across New Jersey with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h). Its effects are unknown.^[14]
• August, 1873 – Though it never makes landfall on the United States, the Great Nova Scotia Cyclone approaches the state, prompting the U.S. Army Signal Corps to issue a hurricane warning from Cape May to New Haven, Connecticut.^[15]
• September 29, 1874 – A tropical storm moves through the state, though its effects are unknown.^[14]
• October 23, 1878 – The Gale of 1878 passes to the west of New Jersey, producing winds of up to 84 mph (136 km/h). Strong winds uproof around 150 houses in Camden, while telegraph lines and trees are downed across the state. In addition, many railroad lines are either washed out or blown over. The hurricane causes high tides and strong flooding, destroying several houses along the coastline. In all, the hurricane causes 8 deaths and severe damage.^[16]
• September 12, 1882 – A tropical storm that passes to the south of the state causes strong winds and damage along the coastline.^[17]
• September 24, 1882 – A weak tropical storm parallels the coastline and causes no known damage.^[14]
• June 23, 1886 – A tropical depression crosses the state, causing no known damage.^[14]
• September 10, 1889 - A hurricane stalls offshore the state and lashes the coastline with high winds, beach erosion, and severe storm tides.
• August 24, 1893 – A hurricane passes just east of the state and later makes landfall near New York City. The hurricane produces strong winds and rainfall along the coastline, though causes no known deaths.^[18]

1900–1949

Hurricane activity was above average during this time period. A hurricane in 1903 hit near Atlantic City, causing heavy damage near the shore. The most severe hurricane in the time period was the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane. Though it did not make landfall, it brought strong winds and waves to the coastline, destroying hundreds of homes.

• September 16, 1903 – A hurricane makes landfall on Atlantic City as an 80 mph (129 km/h) hurricane, making it the most recent (until 2011) hurricane to directly strike the state. Dubbed by the Atlantic City Press as the Vagabond Hurricane, the storm gathers media interest from Philadelphia and New York, with one newspaper offering $200,000 (1903 USD) to aid the survivors. When the reporters arrive at the coast, they are disappointed at the lack of damage, which is confined to loose boards along the boardwalk. The storm's strong surf destroys several boats along the coastline, including 34 in Waretown.^[1]
• August 4, 1915 – A tropical depression crosses the northern portion of the state, though damage totals are unknown.^[14]
• August 23, 1933 – A tropical storm passes to the west of the state, causing moderate damage along the coastline from high waves and storm surge.^[19] Offshore, about 100 boats were destroyed, causing numerous casualties.^[1]
• September 19, 1936 – A Category 2 hurricane parallels the New Jersey coastline. Strong waves floods much of Long Beach Island and cause severe beach erosion along the coast. 200 feet (60 m) of sand near the Barnegat Lighthouse are lost, threatening the foundation of the lighthouse.^[1]

Aftermath of the 1944 hurricane in Ocean City.

• September 21, 1938 – The New England Hurricane of 1938 passes to the east of the state, causing strong winds of up to 100 mph (160 km) and powerful waves along the coastline. The bridge to Brigantine collapses, leaving the city marooned. All of the tomato crop is ruined, and half of the apple harvest is destroyed.^[1]
• August 20, 1939 – Tuckerton receives 14.8 inches (376 mm) of precipitation, which is the wettest known tropical cyclone in the state. The storm also causes major flooding in the Pine Barrens, washing away a historic village and derailing a train in Chatsworth.^[20]
• August 1, 1944 – A tropical storm hits Cape May after passing through the Delmarva Peninsula, causing severe beach erosion and high tides.^[1]
• September 13–September 14, 1944 – The 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane parallels the coastline as a Category 2 hurricane, with a minimum pressure of 965 mbar occurring in Cape May. The hurricane causes severe flooding, a storm surge of up to 9.6 feet (2.9 m), and intense waves of up to 40 feet (12 m) in height. Along the entire coastline, strong winds gusting to 125 mph (201 km/h) destroys hundreds of homes and damages thousands, while the ferocious waves wash away fishing piers and boardwalks along the coastline.^[1] In all, the hurricane causes $25 million (1944 USD, $306 million 2008 USD) in damage^[21] and 9 deaths in the state.^[22]

1950–1979

Several tropical cyclones affected the state during the time period, though Hurricane Donna was the most severe. Paralleling the coastline offshore, the hurricane caused heavy damage near the coastline from high waves and winds. In addition, Hurricane Belle was predicted to strike the state, though it passed to the east with only minor effects.

• September 1, 1952 – Hurricane Able moves across the northern portion of the state as a tropical depression, dropping up to 2 inches (5 cm) of rain in Teterboro.^[23]
• August 31, 1954 – Hurricane Carol causes gusty winds along the coastline and moderate damage.^[1]
• September 10, 1954 - Hurricane Edna skirts the coastline, producing tropical storm force winds of up to 65 mph and dropping 4 inches of rain in Long Branch.
• October 15, 1954 - Hurricane Hazel passes well to the west of New Jersey, producing very high winds but only sporadic rainfall. Wind gusts peak at 86 mph in Millville.
• August 12–13, 1955 - Hurricane Connie threatens the state, prompting coastal evacuations. The storm instead passes to the west, dumping heavy rains and causing power outages.
• August 19–20, 1955 – Hurricane Diane moves across the center portion of the state only a week after Connie deluged the area, triggering heavy rains in North Jersey. The storm causes historic flooding in towns along the Delaware River, damaging about 200 homes in Lambertville.^[1]
• September 19, 1955 – Hurricane Ione passes to the southeast of the state, dropping over 3 inches (75 mm) of rainfall in South Jersey.^[24]
• September 28, 1956 – The remnants of Hurricane Flossy drop light rainfall along the coastline.^[25]
• July 10, 1959 – Hurricane Cindy passes offshore of the state as a tropical storm, producing over 8 inches of rain in Belleplain.
• October 1, 1959 – The extratropical remnants of Hurricane Gracie produce light precipitation in the state.^[26]
• July 30, 1960 – Tropical Storm Brenda parallels the coastline as a moderate tropical storm, causing no known damage.^[27]
• September 12, 1960 – Hurricane Donna, the only tropical cyclone to bring hurricane-force winds to every state on the East Coast of the United States, passes New Jersey as a Category 2 hurricane while moving at a high speed. Damage is significant along the coastline, but is less than in other states struck directly by Donna. The hurricane causes winds gusts of up to 105 mph (169 km/h), heavy rainfall, and a storm surge of 6 feet (2 m).^[27] Well–executed warnings result in no direct deaths, though one indirect death occurs from a heart attack.^[1]
• September 15, 1961 – Tropical Storm Six, after crossing North Carolina, Virginia and the Delmarva Peninsula, parallels the state; damage is unknown.^[14]

Hurricane Belle to the south of New Jersey

• September 20, 1961 – Hurricane Esther parallels the coastline offshore as a major hurricane, causing high surf and 70 mph (113 km/h) winds at beaches in New Jersey.^[28]
• October 29, 1963 – The outer rainbands of Hurricane Ginny produce light rainfall in the state.^[26]
• September 14, 1964 – Hurricane Dora causes high tides of up to 4 feet (1 m) and rainfall peaking at 2.5 inches (6.35 cm).^[29]
• June 13, 1966 – Hurricane Alma approaches the coast before turning northeastward and becoming extratropical. The storm causes a high tide of 4.5 feet (1.4 m) in Atlantic City.^[30]
• September 16, 1967 – Hurricane Doria, while moving westward, produces light rainfall and wind gusts. Minor damage occurs along the coast, though the storm kills three when a boat offshore of Ocean City sank in the strong waves.^[31]
• June 26, 1968 - Tropical Storm Candy drops light rainfall in northern portions of the state. Rainfall peaks at 3 inches.
• August 20, 1969 – Tropical Storm Camille produces light rainfall in the southern portion of the state.^[26]
• September 7, 1969 – Light precipitation occurs in association with Hurricane Gerda.^[26]
• August 28, 1971 – Tropical Storm Doria moves through the entire state, causing torrential rainfall amounting to a maximum of 8.09 inches (20.55 cm) in Trenton. The storm kills three people in New Jersey.^[32]
• October 1, 1971 – Hurricane Ginger strikes North Carolina and drops light rainfall across South Jersey.^[26]
• June 23, 1972 – Tropical Storm Agnes makes landfall on extreme western Long Island, New York, causing 6.34 inches (16.1 cm) of rain in New Jersey but little damage.^[26][33]
• September 3, 1972 – Tropical Storm Carrie produces light rainfall in South Jersey.^[26]
• September 25, 1975 – The remnants of Hurricane Eloise causes light flooding in the state.^[34]
• August 10, 1976 – Prior to the arrival of Hurricane Belle from the south, 250,000 evacuate from the shore during the peak of the tourist season. While paralleling the coast just offshore, it causes winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) and gusts of up to 90 mph (145 km/h), along with a maximum rainfall total of 3.93 inches (9.98 cm) in Cape May Court House. In addition, the hurricane causes a storm surge of 8.85 feet (2.70 m) in Atlantic City. However, damage is less than expected, and no deaths occur.^[35]
• September 17, 1976 – The remnants of a subtropical storm drops light rainfall in the state.^[26]
• September 6, 1979 – Hurricane David passes to the west of the state, causing wind gusts peaking at 58 mph and light rainfall. Part of the tornado outbreak caused by the hurricane reaches southern New Jersey.^[36] The wind gusts down power lines across the state, leaving many without power after the storm.^[1]

1980s

The 1980s were a relatively active decade, with 11 tropical cyclones affecting the state. The most notable storm of the decade was Hurricane Gloria in 1985, which was originally predicted to strike the state. The hurricane caused minor damage throughout the state.

Flooding from Hurricane Gloria in Cape May

• October 14, 1984- High surf from Hurricane Josephine causes minor damage and coastal flooding.^[37]
• October 29, 1984 – A tropical depression dissipates after bringing light rainfall throughout the state.^[38]
• July 26, 1985 – Moisture from Hurricane Bob produces rainfall across the state.^[26]
• August 25, 1985 – The remnants of Hurricane Danny drops up to 5 inches (13 cm) of rainfall in the extreme southern portion of the state.^[39]
• September 24, 1985 – Tropical Storm Henri passes to the east of the state, causing light rainfall.^[40]
• September 27, 1985 – Hurricane Gloria parallels the New Jersey coastline just offshore as a Category 2 hurricane. Its arrival forces 95,000 citizens to evacuate, while eleven casinos in Atlantic City are closed, resulting in a loss of $7 million (1985 USD). Dubbed by some as the storm of the century, the hurricane is expected to become the first hurricane to hit the New Jersey coastline since the hurricane in 1903, though a last minute turn spares the state.^[1] While passing by the state, Gloria caused a storm surge of 4.6 feet (1.4 m) in Ventnor City and a wind gust of 80 mph (129 km) in Ocean City.^[41] Despite coming within miles of the coast, the storm caused only light rainfall along the shoreline, though further inland there were reports of over 5 inches (13 cm).^[42] Strong winds down trees and power lines, leaving 237,000 without power after the storm.^[43] Overall, damage is minor, and some were even disappointed at the lack of damage from the proclaimed storm of the century.^[1]
• August 18, 1986 – Hurricane Charley comes within 100 miles (160 km) of the state but turns out to sea. The hurricane causes 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) of rain and a 1.6 foot (0.5 m) storm surge in Atlantic City.^[44]
• August 30, 1988 – Tropical Storm Chris moves across the northern portion of the state as a tropical depression. The system causes light rain of up to 1 inch (3 cm).^[45]
• July, 1989 – Moisture from Tropical Storm Allison drops up to 7 inches (18 cm) in southwestern New Jersey.^[46]
• September, 1989 – Hurricane Gabrielle, though remaining far out in the Atlantic, produces strong waves of up to 16 feet (5 m) in height, killing one person.^[47]
• September 22, 1989 – Hurricane Hugo passes to the west of the state, causing over 5 inches (13 cm) of rain in North Jersey.^[48]

1990s

Thirteen tropical cyclones affected New Jersey during the 1990s. The 1991 Perfect Storm eroded beaches severely along the coast, while Hurricane Floyd in 1999 produced severe flooding in northern New Jersey, killing six.

Hurricane Bob to the southeast of New Jersey

• October, 1990 – The combined remnants of Hurricane Klaus and Tropical Storm Marco cause around 3 inches (8 cm) of rain in the northern portion of the state.^[49]
• August 19, 1991 – Hurricane Bob parallels the state offshore, causing up to 3 inches (8 cm) of rain across the state; damage is minimal.^[50]
• October 31, 1991 – The 1991 Halloween Nor'easter, also known as the Perfect Storm, causes strong waves of up to 30 feet (9 m) in height. High tides along the shore were only surpassed by the 1944 hurricane, while significant bay flooding occurred. Strong waves and persistent intense winds cause extreme beach erosion, amounting to 13.5 million cubic feet (383,000 m³) of sand lost in one location. In all, damage amounts to $90 million (1991 USD, $142 million 2008 USD), though no deaths occur in the state.^[1]
• August 28, 1992 – The remnants of Hurricane Andrew produce light precipitation across the state.^[26]
• September 26, 1992 – Tropical Storm Danielle moves inland over the Delmarva Peninsula, causing up to 3 inches (8 cm) of rain along the coast. The storm also causes moderate tidal flooding of up to 7.2 feet in Atlantic City and minor beach erosion. Strong waves off the coast of New Jersey sank a sailboat, causing the death of its driver.^[51]
• August 18, 1994 – Tropical Depression Beryl crosses over the extreme northern portion of the state, causing light rainfall of up to 1 inch (3 cm).^[52]
• November 22, 1994 – Hurricane Gordon produce moderate rainfall across much of the state.^[26]
• June 6, 1995 – The extratropical remnants of Hurricane Allison drops light rainfall in the southern portion of the state.^[26]
• August 7, 1995 – The remnants of Hurricane Erin cause up to 3 inches (8 cm) of precipitation in southwestern New Jersey.^[53]
• Mid–August, 1995 – Strong rip currents from Hurricane Felix kills five people, while persistent cyclonic winds caused extensive beach erosion.^[54]
• October 5, 1995 – As an extratropical storm, Hurricane Opal produce up to 5 inches (13 cm) of rainfall in the northern portion of the state.^[55]
• July 13, 1996 – Hurricane Bertha crosses the entire state as a tropical storm, causing heavy rainfall peaking at 6.59 inches (16.74 cm) in Estell Manor. Bertha also causes a storm surge of 2.27 feet (69 cm) in Atlantic City, while rough waves kill one surfer.^[56]
• Late August, 1996 – Hurricane Edouard produces strong swells to the coastline, causing two deaths from drowning.^[57] In addition, one computer model predicts the hurricane would strike near Atlantic City with winds of over 111 mph (178 km/h) on Labor Day. This causes Cape May County officials to contemplate ordering an evacuation for the busiest tourist weekend of the year, though the order never occurs.^[58]
• September 8, 1996 - Hurricane Fran passes to the west of the state through central Pennsylvania and western New York and sparks an intense line of severe thunderstorms that crosses New Jersey and is most notable for causing an hour-long lightning delay of an NFL game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. This marked the first time a regular season NFL contest had been suspended due to weather conditions.
• July 25, 1997 – Tropical Storm Danny passes to the southeast of the state, causing up to 7 inches (18 cm) of rainfall in North Jersey.^[59]
• August 23, 1998 – Tracking offshore after striking North Carolina, Hurricane Bonnie produces rough waves and rip currents, resulting in hundreds of water rescues and eight injuries.^[60]
• September 6, 1999 – Hurricane Dennis moves northward through central Pennsylvania, causing around 5 inches (13 cm) of rain on the New Jersey/New York state border from the storm's outer bands.^[61]
• September 17, 1999 – Hurricane Floyd crosses the entire state as a tropical storm, unleashing torrential rainfall amounting to a maximum of 13.34 inches (33.88 cm) in Somerville. Cape May reports a storm surge of 2.6 feet (.79 m).^[62] Five rivers, including the Raritan River, withhold too much water and exceed flood stages.^[63] Strong wind gusts leave over 650,000 citizens without power during the storm's passage.^[64] Floyd caused great damage in the state and six casualties.^[63]

2000s

Waves and Beach erosion during Hurricane Isabel

The most notable hurricane to affect New Jersey during the 2000s was Hurricane Sandy. Strong winds and storm surges caused over a billion dollars in damage, as well as 37 deaths.

• September 19, 2000 – The extratropical remnant of Hurricane Gordon passes over the state and produces light rainfall.^[26]
• June 17, 2001 – Tropical Storm Allison passes just east of the state as a subtropical depression, causing gusty winds and up to 4.86 inches (12.34 cm) of rain.^[65]
• September 13, 2003 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Henri cause up to 3 inches (8 cm) of rain across the state.^[66]
• September 19, 2003 – Hurricane Isabel passes well to the southwest of the state, though because of the hurricane's large windfield, Isabel causes strong storm surges of up to 10.6 feet (3.2 m) in Burlington. Outer bands of the storm resulted in light rainfall amounting to 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) in Wildwood with gusts of 62 mph (100 km) elsewhere in the state. Persistent strong waves severely erode beaches along the coast. Isabel caused 1 direct death and 1 indirect death, with damage amounting to $50 million (2003 USD, $58.6 million 2008 USD).^[67]
• August 3, 2004 – Hurricane Alex produces light rainfall along the coastline.^[26]
• August 13, 2004 – Light rainfall is associated with moisture from Tropical Storm Bonnie.^[26]
• August 14, 2004 – Quickly following the previous storm, former Hurricane Charley tracks just offshore the coast. In the southern portion of the state, the storm produces up to 2 inches (5 cm) of rainfall.^[68]
• August 31, 2004 – Tropical Storm Gaston passes to the east of the state, causing up to 3 inches (8 cm) of rainfall across the state.^[69]
• September 8, 2004 – Hurricane Frances as an extratropical storm drops around 3 inches (8 cm) of rain in North Jersey.^[70]
• September 17, 2004 – Hurricane Ivan drops 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) of rain in Maplewood.^[71]
• September 28, 2004 – Hurricane Jeanne passes to the south of the state as an extratropical storm, causing up to 5 inches (13 cm) of rainfall across New Jersey.^[72]
• August 11–August 16, 2005 – Hurricane Irene passes to the southeast of the state, causing rip currents and strong waves.^[73]
• August 30, 2005 — The remnants of Hurricane Katrina produce heavy rainfall and high winds as it passed and left many without power after high winds downed trees and power lines.^[74]
• September 7–September 8, 2005 – Rip currents from Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Nate kill one person and seriously injure another.^[75]
• June 15, 2006 – Tropical Storm Alberto passes to the southeast of the state, dropping light rainfall.^[26]

Waves from Hurricane Bill in New Jersey

• September 3, 2006 – The interaction between the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto and a strong high pressure system produces intense wind gusts of up to 81 mph in Strathmere. The storm also drops heavy rainfall, totaling to a maximum of 4.92 inches in Margate. The winds and rain down trees and power lines, resulting in power outages.^[76]
• June 4, 2007 – Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry produce locally moderate precipitation across the state.^[26]
• July 2008 – Offshore Hurricane Bertha produces rip currents which kill three surfers in the state.^[77]
• September 6, 2008 – Hurricane Hanna passes through New Jersey as a tropical storm, producing heavy rainfall, causing minor flooding.^[78]
• August 22, 2009 – Hurricane Bill passes nearby of the New Jersey coast, bringing strong waves as high as 15 feet and deadly rip currents to the entire Eastern Seaboard and New England coast. The storm passed New Jersey as a category 1 storm with sustained winds of about 85 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane Bill eventually passed nearby to Cape Cod, Massachusetts later that night, bringing tropical storm conditions as well as very high surf. After, Bill headed towards Atlantic Canada, also producing tropical storm conditions. Overall, damage to New Jersey was minimal.

2010s

Hurricane Sandy was the most destructive hurricane ever recorded in New Jersey. The second-costliest hurricane in U.S. history caused widespread, devastating damage and left millions of New Jersey residents without electricity, some lasting as long as three weeks. Hurricane Irene became the first tropical cyclone to make a direct strike on the state since 1903.

• September 3, 2010 – Hurricane Earl passes about 100 miles east of the state, causing tropical storm force winds and battering waves. Little precipitation occurred, with only one weak band of rain crossing the western section of the state.
• September 30, 2010 – Tropical Storm Nicole weakens and causes minor issues statewide including rain totals of 3 inches. The moisture rode up the East Coast and caused problems for travelers. The storm then quickly passed the area on October 2. Some thunderstorms associated with a squall line caused most of the heavy rain.
• August 27–28, 2011 – Hurricane Irene makes landfall in New Jersey as a tropical storm. Originally, it was thought to have been the first hurricane to make landfall in New Jersey since 1903, but post-analysis downgraded Irene to a tropical storm before making landfall. Numerous reports of major flooding, downed trees, and power outages were reported. The storm caused just the third ever shutdown of Atlantic City casinos and also prompted residents of coastal communities to evacuate in advance of the storm. The storm kills a total of ten people in the state.
• September 7–9, 2011- The remnants of Tropical Storm Lee causes heavy rain across all of the state. In Phillipsburg, 9.55 Inches of rain fell. Moderate to severe flooding occurred in Western portions of the state.
• October 29–30, 2012 – Hurricane Sandy reaches within 50 miles of the coastline before moving ashore in Brigantine as an extratropical cyclone. The storm brings hurricane-force winds, record low pressure, and a momentous storm surge along areas of the coast. The storm becomes the worst hurricane to affect the state on record, killing 37 and causing nearly $30 billion in damages. Widespread devastation is noted, particularly on Long Beach Island and the Barnegat Peninsula, where the Seaside Heights boardwalk collapses into the ocean. Further north, storm surge flooding causes massive destruction along the Raritan Bay and traps thousands in Hoboken. All of New Jersey Transit's commuter rail operations are affected, with some lines out of service for over a month, and inundation of rolling stock stored in NJ Transit's Meadowlands yard. Sandy also causes the worst power outage in state history, blacking out over 2 million households.
• June 7, 2013 - Tropical Storm Andrea passes through New Jersey as a post-tropical storm, causing heavy rainfall throughout the state and forcing an emergency plane landing at Newark Airport. Rainfall peaks at 5 inches in Oceanport.
• October 6, 2013 - Moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Karen drops locally heavy rains across New Jersey, causing minor street flooding.
• July 4, 2014 - Hurricane Arthur passes to the east of New Jersey. The storm produces moderate rainfall along the coast, though winds remain generally below tropical storm force. Strong waves buffet the coastline, and some holiday celebrations in the state were cancelled or postponed.
• August 28, 2014 - Hurricane Cristobal passes well offshore of the state but generates strong waves and rip currents that kill 2 in Sandy Hook.
• June 21, 2015 - The remnants of Tropical Storm Bill pass through the state, dropping heavy rain but causing no damage.
• October 1, 2015 - Hurricane Joaquin briefly threatens to approach or strike New Jersey, forcing the state to begin storm preparations. Officials in Atlantic City discuss the possibility of evacuations, though an order never materializes. Joaquin instead turns away long before affecting the shoreline.
• October 28, 2015 - The remnants of Hurricane Patricia pass through the Northeast. Inches of heavy rain and gusty winds cause downed tree limbs, power outages, and flooding throughout the state.
• September 5, 2016 - Hurricane Hermine meanders off the coast as a powerful post-tropical cyclone. The state thoroughly prepares for the storm's arrival during the busy holiday weekend. Hermine moves further east than forecasted and impacts are much less than expected. Strong waves and minor coastal flooding occur along the coastline.
• October 8, 2016 - Hurricane Matthew interacts with a frontal system, bringing light rains to the state.

Listed by month

Tropical cyclones affect New Jersey the most during the month of September, though the state has experienced tropical cyclones throughout the hurricane season, excluding November. Storms affect the state most in September due to peak warmth in water temperatures. No recorded storm has affected the state between November and May.^[1]

Deadliest storms

Most tropical cyclones that impact New Jersey only cause rainfall or strong waves, though a few have caused deaths in the state. A hurricane in 1933 caused numerous casualties offshore, though the number is unknown. Other recorded storms causing deaths in New Jersey include:

Strongest storms

The following storms have caused hurricane-force winds in New Jersey.

See also

• Effects of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey
• List of New England hurricanes
• List of Atlantic hurricane seasons
• List of Atlantic hurricanes
• Tropical cyclone
• List of New York hurricanes

References