Tropical Storm Isaias Blows Into New Jersey, Packing Tornadoes And Powerful Winds

SEA BRIGHT, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey entered a state of emergency Tuesday as officials anticipated heavy rainfall and dangerous winds from Tropical Storm Isaias.

The National Weather Service told CBS2 a tornado touched down in the Cape May County town of Strathmere. Another possible tornado was sighted in Ocean City.

A tornado watch was also in effect for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties until 4 p.m. Tuesday.

"According to the forecasters, this is a relatively fast-moving system and should be well on its way out of our neighborhood by later tonight and into tomorrow," Gov. Phil Murphy said earlier Tuesday morning.

State offices are closed, and residents are urged to stay off the roads.

"Please, folks, stay in. Unless you absolutely have to go out, stay in," said Murphy.

Watch: Gov. Murphy Gives Update On Tropical Storm Isaias 

Some parts of the state could see up to 5 inches of rainfall, and winds are expected to reach 70 mph along the coast.

Public Utilities Commissioner Joe Fiordaliso cautioned there could be hundreds of thousands of power outages. By 2 p.m., approximately one million customers were in the dark.

"It all depends on the track of this storm, and it all depends on wind gusts. Wind can be our potential enemy here, which can delay, obviously, restoration," Fiordaliso said. "If those winds are at excess of 30 mph, those folks cannot go up into the bucket trucks and try to restore power."

Car-pulled trailers and motorcycles are banned from the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway due to strong winds.

Reporting Power Outages In New Jersey:

• PSE&G New Jersey
• Jersey Central Power & Light
• Atlantic City Electric
• Orange & Rockland

CBS2's John Dias spoke with Chris Wood, who owns Woodys Ocean Grille in Sea Bright. He said he's used to getting through storms on the Jersey Shore, but not during a pandemic. Like most restaurants, outdoor dining has become his livelihood, but it's not an option Tuesday.

"We opened Aug. 29, 2011 -- the day after Hurricane Irene. Fifteen months later, we had Hurricane Sandy," Woods said. "This is going to hurt a lot of people. No doubt about it."

Rescue teams are prepping for the possibility of hurricane force winds and tidal surges. The Sea Bright Fire Department rolled out its high water rescue vehicles, and locals were preparing at Bains Hardware across the street.

"Whether it be a tarp, a rope to tie down stuff, that kind of goods," said owner Frank Bain.

Earlier, others tried to take advantage of the calm before the storm, going for a swim before rip currents become too strong.

"I was worried about it. So we tried to get in early before it hit, and it looks fine," Mike Halfacre, of Fairhaven, said.

The Monmouth County sheriff said he doesn't anticipate any shelter operations during this storm, but the county is ready.

"That has been on the forefront of our minds, particularly with COVID-19 and social distancing. So that would present some challenges," said Sheriff Shawn Golden. "Our emergency management was preparing additional space and additional PPE gear."

The sheriff went on to say he's also worried about post-storm. Wednesday is expected to be a sunny day, but beach goers should keep in mind surf is irregular after a storm and rip currents are strong.

WATCH: CBS2's John Dias Reports From Sea Bright 

In Wyckoff, a tree came crashing down on a mail truck at Carlton Road and Wyckoff Avenue.

Thankfully, the driver was not in the vehicle at the time and was not hurt.

In Randolph, drivers had to deal with branches falling on their cars or running into roads blocked by downed trees.

One on Sanford Drive fell on power lines, leaving the neighborhood in the dark.

Homeowner Susan Essig is grateful it didn't hit her home.

"I heard a big bang," she said.

Then she discovered the tree uprooted on her front lawn, blocking the road, pulling down power lines and knocking out power.

"Thank god it didn't hit anybody's house," Essig said. "I've been a little nervous all day because it's kind of scary with the wind and the rain and everything."

The stormy day was another blow for restaurants like Morristown Diner, which had to wrap up outdoor dining for the day.

"Of course it hurts, it hurts the business. Nothing we can do, it's Mother Nature," said owner Peter Rotsides.

PHOTO GALLERY: Tropical Storm Isaias Leaves Path Of Destruction In New York And New Jersey

Mother Nature brought unrelenting rain and wind, making a mess in Morris County. There were flooded parking lots and trees blocking roadways, closing streets like Old Brookside Drive.

Ironia Road, in Mendham, was also dangerous to drive down, with one tree hanging on power lines, swooping over the roadway, and another lifting the pavement.

On Dover Chester Road, fire crews responded to a small brush fire caused by downed power lines.

CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis met with the Morris County emergency management director, who said the 911 call center is fully staffed and crews are ready to respond to trees down and other issues.

"We're asking people to use 911 for true emergencies. We're concerned about wires that may be down that are co-mingled with branches and maybe co-mingled telephone lines that people may think are safe. We encourage the public to, until proven otherwise, assume that those are live wires," OEM Director Jeffrey Paul said. "Stay safe, stay smart, stay vigilant. If you don't need to be out, don't go out."

State officials instructed residents to visit Ready.NJ.Gov for the latest emergency information.

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