Tropical Storm Debby poses tornado risk, dangerous surf for New Jersey

Kaitlyn McCormick, Cherry Hill Courier-Post

Hurricane Debby, although downgraded to a tropical storm, has already wreaked havoc on parts of South Jersey by causing major rain and flooding. Now, remnants of the storm are coming for round two.

Tropical storm Debby continues its movement toward the Northeast.
Tropical storm Debby continues its movement toward the Northeast.

Will Tropical Storm Debby hit New Jersey

The National Weather Service expects Debby to move toward Central Pennsylvania, according to meteorologist Mike Lee at the agency's Westampton office.

But New Jersey still will be impacted by rough weather.

People can expect rain, strong wind gusts and even potential for tornados on Friday, Lee said.

Areas along the coast should heed active gale warnings as the system moves through the Mid-Atlantic region.

Be aware of particularly rough surf, coastal flooding and high risks for rip currents at the shore.

Weather graphics Thursday showed the system straddling the border between South and North Carolina. It's expected to continue moving northeast through Saturday.

More: Rip currents pose danger to swimmers. How to identify and avoid dangerous waters

What classifies a tropical storm?

What makes a cyclone different from a tropical storm or a hurricane is the wind speed at which it moves.

The storms are classified as follows:

  • Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.

  • Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).

  • Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.

  • Major Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 111 mph (96 knots) or higher, corresponding to a Category 3, 4 or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

When is hurricane season

While Atlantic Hurricane Season technically starts in June, more damaging storms are seen toward the end of August and early September before the season's end in November.

Scientists have repeatedly discussed predictions that this year will see a more active hurricane season than is typical for the Atlantic region.

Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Tropical Storm Debby to cause winds, dangerous surf in New Jersey

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