Northern Lights resulting from the G4 Geomagnetic Storm that is ongoing. Taken in Ocean County, NJ through cloud layers that are pushing through.
Time: 11:50PM 11/11/25
Att: @NWS_MountHolly
Severe thunderstorms are possible late tomorrow afternoon and evening. Damaging straight-line winds and large hail are the main threats, though an isolated tornado can't be ruled out. An isolated instance of flash flooding also can't be ruled out. Best timing is 4PM-10PM.
Confidence is increasing that severe thunderstorms, some potentially significant, will impact the region Monday afternoon and evening. The primary hazard is expected to be damaging winds, though a few tornadoes will also be possible. (1/2)
Late with the data @NWS_MountHolly but for LAKEHURST, NJ, measured snowfall in protected location is 21.75 inches (likely over 22 inches but was delayed in taking the measurement at storm end)
- OCNJ009
6/24 11am AST: Tropical Storm #Andrea has formed in the Atlantic. It is forecast to weaken and dissipate on Wednesday as it remains over the open ocean.
See https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb for more info
@KariLake Hey Kari! I’m the senior meteorologist at the app you’re using.
This is the result of an obstruction from a structure east of @NWS_BaltWash’s Dulles-based radar. (This is common with water towers/cell towers blocking the radar beam.) [1/3]
@ryanhallyall@OfficialYallbot Y’all may want to ditch the AI. The reason people like you is because of your humor and tone as well as local phraseology. AI doesn’t get that. Personally I’m not a fan of the AI bot that pops up correcting how you say towns and city names, but that’s just my take. Do you.
This is only the 3rd time since at least 2006 (when we can easily query our records), and likely only the 3rd time in SPC history based on available data, that a High Risk has been issued on Day 2.
The 2 previous times were:
4/14/2012
4/7/2006
I just left the New Jersey State Police HQ following the briefing of New Jersey State Legislators relating to the unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey.
Might I add - @GovMurphy
was not present. My notes are organized following my take below on the situation.
1. We know nothing. PERIOD. To state that there is no known or credible threat is incredibly misleading, and I informed all officials of that sentiment.
2. State authorities, including the NJSP, are shackled with what they are able to do. Any interception or takedown of any UAS is under the strict jurisdiction of the federal government.
3. At this point, I believe military intervention is the only path forward. There will be no answers in the absence of proactivity.
4. The US Coast Guard seems to be the most likely to intervene based upon our briefing, but even that component was shrouded in mystery.
Here is my summary of the briefing :
Overview of the Issue:
First Sightings: Reported on 11/18, with sightings occurring every night since then, from dusk until 11 PM (6–7 hours).
Frequency: Reports range from 4 to 180 sightings per night.
Description:
Large drones (up to 6 ft in diameter).
Operate in a coordinated manner.
Lights are turned off, making them difficult to detect.
Appear to avoid detection by traditional methods (e.g., helicopters, radio frequencies).
Not identified as hobbyist drones or related to DHS.
Investigation and Response
1. Agencies Involved:
FBI: Designated as the lead agency for investigations.
New Jersey State Police (NJSP): Coordinates with the FBI on follow-ups.
Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP): Provides training and situational awareness.
U.S. Coast Guard: Involved in determining steps under their jurisdiction (details not disclosed).
2. Federal Involvement:
FAA: Made night flights legal in 2023, but require operators to maintain line of sight, which is not being observed in these cases.
Lack of Federal Legislation: Existing bills on drone regulation remain stalled in Congress.
3. Detection Challenges:
NJSP deployed helicopters over Raritan Bay but could not detect drones, even with infrared cameras.
Current radio frequencies do not pick up drone signals.
Col. Callahan expressed concerns about potential danger, leading to a halt in helicopter deployments.
4. Training and Preparedness:
In-person Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training starts in Monmouth County in January and will expand statewide.
A UAS Dashboard is being developed for tracking and managing drone sightings.
Key Concerns
Unknown Origins: Authorities do not know where these drones take off or land.
Capabilities: Drones maintain flight for extended periods (6–7 hours) and over distances of 15 miles, raising questions about their technology and intent.
Airspace Regulation:
Most sightings are in unrestricted airspace, but their behavior is unusual and potentially nefarious.
Unlike manned aircraft, these drones appear to operate without lights and evade detection.
Public Safety:
Possible threats remain unconfirmed, but the lack of detection capability is a significant concern.
See Something, Say Something campaigns encourage the public to report sightings to local law enforcement and the FBI.
Statements from Officials:
Laurie Doran (Director of OHSP):
There is no known or credible threat at this time. (I DISAGREE)
Urges continued reporting to law enforcement.
Colonel Pat Callahan (NJSP):
Suspended helicopter flights to investigate drones over safety concerns.
Emphasized the rapid pace of technological development in drones.
Brent Cotton (DHS Counterterrorism): Highlighted challenges in threat prevention and the need for improved technology and protocols.
Next Steps
1. Enhanced Surveillance: Use of infrared cameras and additional Coast Guard resources.
2. Legislation and Policy: Advocate for advancing federal drone legislation stalled in Congress.
3. Public Engagement: Encourage reporting via the See Something, Say Something initiative.