Toms River, New Jersey — A severe thunderstorm is moving east across central New Jersey this afternoon, and the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 5:15 PM EST for Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties.

What is happening:

At 4:39 PM EST, the storm was over Vista Center, about 14 miles northwest of Toms River, moving east at 25 miles per hour. Radar shows the storm is producing half-dollar-size hail. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7:00 PM EST for southern, central and northern New Jersey.

Local impacts:

Half-dollar-size hail can cause minor damage to vehicles. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Places in the path include Lakewood, Old Bridge, Jackson, Howell, Marlboro, Manalapan, Tinton Falls, Matawan, Cranbury, Farmingdale, Roosevelt, Allenwood, East Freehold, Six Flags Theme Park, Robertsville, Jacksons Mills, West Freehold, Clearbrook Park, Adelphia and Cassville. The storm is also moving along Interstate 195 in New Jersey.

What to do:

Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Move indoors immediately. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment during the storm.

*Source: National Weather Service, Mount Holly, New Jersey, November 12, 2026.*