While no major damage was immediately reported, severe weather prompted residents and visitors to remain on alert as storms moved through Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Thursday evening, bringing heavy rain, lightning and strong winds to the region.
In Ocean City, the boardwalk was quiet for much of the evening after severe weather drove many people indoors. Some visitors returned later as conditions improved.
Travel conditions deteriorated during the height of the storm. Torrential rain soaked the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, where drivers slowed well below the speed limit amid reduced visibility and frequent lightning.
"It was a little treacherous when we were driving. There were a few cars in the ditch and emergency crews were out. Thankfully we made it here safe," said Andy Reim of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Residents also described intense thunder and lightning.
"It was like shaking our whole house; it was crazy," said Ben Griffith of West Chester.
Businesses along the Ocean City boardwalk saw an impact as weather moved in during the dinner hour. Mike Frankel, manager of Manco & Manco Pizza, said storm conditions cut short the evening rush.
"We heard a lot of the cracks of thunder; we saw the lightning over the beach and the ocean. It floods pretty good down on 9th Street at times. It didn't get so bad tonight, but some of our delivery drivers said they had a little bit of a hard time out there," Frankel said.
Cape May County officials monitored conditions throughout the evening and reported no major concerns. Earlier in the day, dark clouds associated with the severe weather threat moved across the region, raising concerns about flash flooding and strong wind gusts.
The intensity of the storms varied across South Jersey.
"We were driving over in Somers Point and it was just raining. It wasn't anything too intense," said Tigh Coyle of West Chester.
Officials in Atlantic City and several other shore communities also reported no major damage or flooding Thursday night. Authorities said they would continue monitoring conditions for any developments.