Storms Kill 3, Cut Power to Over 100,000 Across Northeast

Severe thunderstorms swept through central New Jersey on July 3, causing widespread damage, power outages, and at least three deaths, according to Governor Phil Murphy. The most affected areas include Plainfield, North Plainfield, Bound Brook, and Dunellen, where large trees and power lines fell, leading to fatal incidents and prompting a state of emergency declaration by Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. Nearly 45,000 utility customers lost power during the storm, with PSE&G and JCP&L reporting the largest outages across Middlesex, Union, Somerset, Ocean, and Hunterdon counties. The storms caused significant destruction, including vehicles being tossed and homes damaged by fallen trees. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with residents urged to stay indoors and avoid downed power lines and debris. Governor Murphy emphasized the severity of the situation and urged caution as recovery continues.