It’s not all about Hurricane Ida — land use and climate change drive Philly flood risk
As the region confronts Ida, the city’s floodplain expert warns that land use is a major driver of increased vulnerability to extreme weather.
3 years ago
This story originally appeared on 6abc.
Officials in Gloucester County, New Jersey, are reporting devastating storm damage after a tornado swept through the region on Wednesday.
Video captured multiple homes destroyed in the Mullica Hill section of the county.
Troy Bonnenberg and his children were in the basement. Minutes later, the family emerged unharmed, but their belongings were scattered throughout the South Jersey neighborhood.
Bonnenberg soon realized he lost the back half of his home due to the tornado.
Right across the street, Bonnenberg’s neighbor bore the brunt of this storm. Aluminum siding, roofing, furniture and children’s toys were all piled on top of a family’s car. The house is now unlivable.
“It’s horrible. You never expect anything like this to happen in this area because you’re not in the Midwest,” said Robin Wilson Smith of Mullica Hill.
It’s still unclear how many homes sustained damage from the storm.
“Just spoke with Harrison Township Mayor Lou Manzo about the devastating tornado that ripped through the Mullica Hill community and surrounding area tonight. We’re closely monitoring the situation and will do whatever is needed to support the response & recovery in the days ahead,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a tweet.
Multiple residents captured videos of the tornado in the area.
In Sewell, Logan Wilson could be heard telling his family to “go in the basement” as the funnel cloud whipped past his home.
According to Gloucester County officials, two people suffered minor injuries due to the storm.
Residents in the county are being asked to stay in their homes unless emergency evacuation is needed. Multiple power lines are down and could cause injury.
Individuals seeking emergency temporary housing can call (856) 589-0911 for assistance from NJ Red Cross.
The county is reporting the following road closures: