How bad was Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey?

Hurricane Sandy (October 2012) was New Jersey's worst natural disaster. Sandy caused $30+ billion in damages statewide, killed 37 New Jersey residents, destroyed 346,000 homes, and left 2.7 million without power. The storm's record storm surge devastated the Jersey Shore, flooding coastal communities and causing catastrophic damage to the barrier islands, boardwalks, and infrastructure.

What are New Jersey's hurricane evacuation zones?

New Jersey uses Zone A and Zone B evacuation designations. Zone A includes barrier islands and the most flood-prone coastal areas—evacuated for all approaching hurricanes. Zone B covers additional coastal areas evacuated for stronger storms. All coastal residents should know their zone and evacuation routes before hurricane season. Check KnowYourZone.com for your zone.

What should be in a New Jersey emergency kit?

A New Jersey emergency kit should include: water (1 gallon per person per day for 7+ days), non-perishable food, NOAA weather radio, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kit, medications, important documents (waterproof container), cash, phone chargers, evacuation supplies ready for coastal residents, and winter supplies including snow removal equipment and vehicle emergency kit.

STATE GUIDE

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Guide

Q: What natural disasters affect New Jersey?

New Jersey faces hurricanes and tropical storms, Nor'easters with heavy snow and coastal flooding, flooding (most frequent disaster), tornadoes (averaging 10-15 annually), severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, and occasional earthquakes. The state's dense population and extensive coastline create particular vulnerability to coastal storms.

Q: How much snow does New Jersey get from Nor'easters?

Nor'easters can dump 1-3 feet of snow on New Jersey, particularly in the northern and western parts of the state. Notable storms include the Blizzard of 1996 (20+ inches), February 2010 'Snowmageddon' (20+ inches), and the January 2016 blizzard (over 2 feet in some areas). The storm track determines whether New Jersey sees heavy snow or rain from Nor'easters.

Q: Does New Jersey get tornadoes?

Yes, New Jersey averages 10-15 tornadoes annually. Most are weak (EF0-EF1), but stronger tornadoes occur. The state has two tornado peaks: spring severe weather season (April-June) and tropical storm/hurricane remnants (August-October). In September 2021, Hurricane Ida's remnants spawned a deadly EF3 tornado in Mullica Hill that killed 1 person and destroyed homes.

Hurricane Sandy forever changed how New Jersey thinks about disaster preparedness. From the vulnerable Jersey Shore to the densely populated urban corridor, the Garden State faces hurricanes, Nor'easters, flooding, and severe weather that demand year-round readiness.

Region: Mid-Atlantic / Northeast Population: 9.3 million Updated: January 2025

New Jersey's Concentrated Risk

New Jersey packs nearly 9.3 million people into America's 5th-smallest state—making it the most densely populated state in the nation. This concentration of people, infrastructure, and economic activity magnifies the impact of every natural disaster. When storms strike New Jersey, they affect millions.

The state's 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, extensive bay and river systems, and low-lying urban areas create exceptional flood vulnerability. The Jersey Shore draws millions of seasonal visitors, complicating evacuation planning. The urban corridor from Newark to Trenton contains critical infrastructure serving the entire Northeast.

Hurricane Sandy (2012) demonstrated New Jersey's vulnerability in devastating fashion. The state had never experienced anything like it—and the lessons learned have reshaped emergency management across the region.

New Jersey Disaster Statistics

$30+ billion in Sandy damages (NJ alone)
2.7 million without power during Sandy
346,000 homes damaged or destroyed by Sandy
10-15 tornadoes annually
127 miles of Atlantic coastline

Hurricane Sandy: The Storm That Changed Everything

On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall near Atlantic City as a post-tropical cyclone with 80 mph sustained winds. What made Sandy catastrophic wasn't wind speed—it was geometry. The massive storm (spanning 1,000 miles) approached at a perpendicular angle, pushing an unprecedented storm surge into the New Jersey coast.

Sandy's Impact on New Jersey

Storm surge: Record 8-9 feet in many coastal areas
Deaths: 37 in New Jersey
Homes damaged/destroyed: 346,000
Power outages: 2.7 million customers
Economic damage: $30+ billion
Gas shortages: Lines stretching for miles, lasting weeks

Post-Sandy Reality

Sandy revealed vulnerabilities New Jersey hadn't fully recognized:

Barrier islands can become uninhabitable for extended periods
Transportation infrastructure (PATH, NJ Transit) is highly vulnerable
Fuel distribution can collapse under disaster conditions
Many "once-in-a-generation" flood zones flooded
Recovery takes years, not weeks

If you live in New Jersey, Sandy is the baseline for hurricane planning. Another Sandy-type event isn't a question of "if" but "when."

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

New Jersey sits at the end of the Atlantic hurricane track, where storms either make landfall or recurve out to sea. When storms do hit, the combination of storm surge, rainfall flooding, and wind causes significant damage.

Hurricane Threats to New Jersey

Storm surge is the primary killer and damage causer. The geometry of the coastline and back bays means water can pile up rapidly:

Barrier islands (LBI, Sea Isle City, Wildwood) extremely vulnerable
Back bays flood from surge pushing through inlets
Raritan Bay and Newark Bay funnel surge into urban areas
Delaware Bay communities face surge threats too

Rainfall flooding from tropical systems affects the entire state. Hurricane Irene (2011) caused more damage from inland flooding than coastal surge. The Passaic River basin and urban areas with poor drainage are particularly vulnerable.

Tornadoes spawned by tropical systems have increased in recent years. Hurricane Ida's remnants (2021) produced an EF3 tornado in Gloucester County that killed one person and destroyed homes.

New Jersey Evacuation Zones

New Jersey uses Zone A and Zone B designations:

Zone A: Barrier islands, highest-risk coastal areas. Evacuate for ALL approaching hurricanes.
Zone B: Additional coastal areas. Evacuate for stronger hurricanes.

Know your zone at KnowYourZone.com before hurricane season.

Hurricane Evacuation Essentials

Keep a waterproof document bag with insurance papers, IDs, and medical records ready to grab. A NOAA Weather Radio provides warnings when power fails.

Nor'easters: New Jersey's Winter Hurricanes

Nor'easters form along the East Coast and can be as damaging as hurricanes—bringing heavy snow, coastal flooding, high winds, and extended power outages.

Nor'easter Impacts

Heavy snow: Nor'easters can drop 1-3 feet of snow, particularly when the storm track puts New Jersey on the "cold side." Major snowstorms include:

Blizzard of 1996: 20-30 inches across the state
February 2010 "Snowmageddon": 20+ inches
January 2016: 2+ feet in parts of the state

Coastal flooding: Nor'easters cause repeated tidal flooding, sometimes through multiple high tide cycles. Coastal communities may flood on 3-4 consecutive high tides.

Wind: Nor'easter winds can exceed 60-70 mph, causing power outages, downed trees, and structural damage.

Winter Storm Preparation

Alternative heating source with fuel supply
3-7 days of food and water
Vehicle emergency kit and full gas tank
Snow removal equipment
Carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup

Flooding: New Jersey's Most Frequent Hazard

Flooding causes more damage and disasters in New Jersey than any other hazard. Multiple flood types affect the state:

Coastal and Tidal Flooding

"Sunny day" or nuisance flooding is increasing along the Jersey Shore and bay communities. King tides and even moderate storms now flood streets that were dry a generation ago. Sea level rise is accelerating this trend.

River Flooding

Major river systems prone to flooding:

Passaic River: Affects Newark, Paterson, and surrounding communities
Raritan River: New Brunswick and central Jersey
Delaware River: Trenton and western NJ communities
Hackensack River: Bergen County

Urban Flash Flooding

New Jersey's dense urban areas experience significant flash flooding during heavy rain. Aging infrastructure, combined sewers, and extensive pavement create dangerous conditions during intense rainfall.

Hurricane Ida's remnants (September 2021) caused catastrophic urban flooding, killing 30 people in the Northeast—many trapped in basement apartments or vehicles.

Flood Preparation

Know your flood zone (FEMA flood maps)
Purchase flood insurance (30-day waiting period, not covered by homeowners)
Never drive through flooded roads—Turn Around, Don't Drown
If you live in basement apartment: have evacuation plan when heavy rain forecast
Know your building's flood history

Flood Safety Facts

6 inches of moving water can knock you down
1 foot of water can float a vehicle
2 feet of water can carry away most vehicles
50% of flood deaths occur in vehicles

Tornadoes and Severe Weather

New Jersey averages 10-15 tornadoes annually—more than many people realize. While most are weak (EF0-EF1), stronger tornadoes occur, and the state's dense population means even weak tornadoes can cause significant damage.

New Jersey Tornado Patterns

Peak season: April-June (classic severe weather) and August-October (tropical systems)
Time: Often afternoon/evening, but tropical tornadoes can occur anytime
Warning time: Often limited due to fast-moving storms

Recent Significant Tornadoes

September 2021: EF3 tornado in Mullica Hill from Hurricane Ida remnants
August 2020: Tropical Storm Isaias spawned multiple tornadoes
Various years: Multiple weak tornadoes cause localized damage

Tornado Safety

NOAA weather radio for warnings
Identify safe room: basement or interior room, lowest floor
Know tornado shelter at work, school, public places
Never shelter in vehicle or mobile home during tornado

Regional Preparedness Priorities

Jersey Shore (Atlantic and Cape May Counties)

Primary threats: Hurricane storm surge, Nor'easter flooding, erosion

Know your evacuation zone and routes
Hurricane supplies ready June 1
Flood insurance essential
7+ day supplies for post-storm isolation
Seasonal residents: have off-season plan

Northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic)

Primary threats: Urban flooding, Nor'easters, severe weather

Flash flood awareness critical
Basement apartment flooding plan
Passaic River flood awareness
Winter storm supplies
Backup power for high-rises

Central New Jersey

Primary threats: Flooding, severe weather, tornadoes, Nor'easters

Raritan River flood zone awareness
Tornado shelter identification
Weather radio for warnings
Balance of coastal and inland risks

Delaware River Region (Trenton, Burlington)

Primary threats: River flooding, severe weather, winter storms

Delaware River flood stage awareness
Severe weather preparation
Ice jam flooding potential in winter

Pine Barrens and South Jersey

Primary threats: Wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, isolation

Wildfire evacuation awareness
Extended self-sufficiency for rural areas
Hurricane impacts from both coastal and inland flooding

New Jersey Emergency Resources

NJ Office of Emergency Management: ready.nj.gov
Know Your Zone: knowyourzone.com
NJ 511: 511nj.org
NWS Mount Holly: weather.gov/phi
NJ Transit Alerts: njtransit.com

New Jersey Emergency Kit Essentials

Year-Round Supplies

Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days
Non-perishable food for 7 days
NOAA weather radio
Flashlights with extra batteries
First aid kit
Prescription medications (7-day supply)
Cash (gas stations may not accept cards during outages)
Important documents (waterproof)
Phone chargers
Full tank of gas

Coastal Resident Additions

Evacuation supplies packed and ready
Hurricane shutters or plywood
Flood insurance documentation
Off-shore evacuation destination identified

Winter Additions

Alternative heating source
Snow removal equipment
Vehicle emergency kit
Carbon monoxide detectors

Complete Emergency Kit

Start with a Ready America 4-Person Emergency Kit. New Jersey residents should add hurricane/flood supplies for coastal areas, plus comprehensive winter supplies including a vehicle emergency kit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural disasters affect New Jersey?

New Jersey faces hurricanes, Nor'easters, flooding (most frequent), tornadoes (10-15 annually), severe thunderstorms, extreme heat, and occasional earthquakes. Hurricane Sandy (2012) caused $30+ billion in damages.

How bad was Hurricane Sandy?

Sandy was New Jersey's worst natural disaster—$30+ billion in damages, 37 deaths, 346,000 homes damaged/destroyed, 2.7 million without power. Record storm surge devastated the Jersey Shore.

What are New Jersey's evacuation zones?

NJ uses Zone A and Zone B. Zone A (barrier islands, highest-risk coastal areas) evacuates for all hurricanes. Zone B evacuates for stronger storms. Check KnowYourZone.com.

How much snow does New Jersey get from Nor'easters?

Nor'easters can drop 1-3 feet of snow on New Jersey. Notable storms include the 1996 Blizzard, 2010 "Snowmageddon," and January 2016 (2+ feet in parts of the state).

Does New Jersey get tornadoes?

Yes, NJ averages 10-15 tornadoes annually. Most are weak, but stronger tornadoes occur. Hurricane Ida's remnants (2021) spawned a deadly EF3 tornado in Gloucester County.