Severe Thunderstorm Watch Causes Travel Chaos and Power Outages in New Jersey

Severe thunderstorms swept through the Tri-State Area on Saturday, causing significant disruptions and damages across several regions. The storms resulted in downed trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. In New Jersey alone, thousands of residents lost electricity as utility companies grappled with restoring power amid ongoing inclement weather.

One notable incident occurred in Glen Rock, New Jersey, where a massive tree fell onto homes on Roxbury Place, shaking the structures and requiring a coordinated response to clear the debris. Residents inside were able to evacuate the building safely, though one house sustained minor damage. Emergency crews spent hours dismantling the obstructive tree.

Similarly, in Somerset County, a tree fell in front of a residence, blocking the entrance and temporarily trapping residents inside. They were rescued by firefighters, who cleared the path, but not before power lines were brought down and cars in the driveway were narrowly missed by the fallen tree.

The entire Tri-State Area experienced a significant amount of rainfall, with some locations, such as the Jersey Shore, reporting accumulations of 2-3 inches. Although the severity of the storms has diminished, scattered showers continued throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning, with additional rainfall between half an inch and an inch expected.

On Saturday, fast-moving storms resulted in major disruptions including flooding, toppled trees, and power disruptions in New Jersey and surrounding areas. A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for most of New Jersey until 8 p.m. The first round of these storms hit Franklin Township in Somerset County particularly hard, causing several downed trees and wires, and trapping residents until first responders arrived to clear escape routes. No injuries were reported.

Transportation was also impacted as authorities closed several major roadways, such as Pulaski Avenue and parts of the Garden State Parkway, owing to blocked roads from downed trees and flooding. Newark Liberty International Airport imposed a ground stop for departing flights, leading to expected delays extending into early Sunday morning.

The severe weather, characterized by violent wind gusts and rains, was anticipated to bring further damage. Analysts predict additional storms to develop across New Jersey through Saturday night and potentially into Sunday. Flight operations at major regional airports like Newark Liberty and LaGuardia were disrupted, with significant delays extending up to early Sunday due to ongoing thunderstorms in the area.

Reports indicated rainfall rates reached between 2-3 inches, particularly along the Jersey Shore. The heavy downpours prompted the issuance of a flash flood warning in Monmouth County. The sequential rounds of rain were expected to diminish in intensity in the early hours of Sunday, although scattered showers were foreseen to linger.

Authorities advised residents to stay alert for severe weather updates throughout the weekend, as conditions remained volatile with a possibility of flash flooding. The presence of a tornado warning in northern Dutchess County also underscored the severe nature of the weather, although no actual tornadoes were confirmed.

As the disturbances subsided, a change in weather was forecasted for Sunday, with cooler temperatures ushering in an autumn-like feel. Highs would vary from low to mid 70s, marking a significant drop from Saturday’s temperatures.

The National Weather Service continued to monitor the situation closely, noting a warning for additional storms in several New Jersey counties. Sayreville and much of Somerset County experienced road closures due to debris. The authorities urged residents to remain indoors when thunderstorms were near and stay informed about any changes in weather or power conditions.

Elsewhere in the Tri-State Area, heavy rains were reported, particularly along the Jersey Shore, where 2-3 inches were accumulated. Despite an earlier period of hazy, warm weather with temperatures soaring into the 80s, more moderate weather was anticipated after the rain subsided on Sunday. Forecasts anticipate showers diminishing by Sunday morning, with clearing skies and cooler temperatures settling in for the upcoming week. Highs are expected to top out in the low 70s from Sunday through the following week, providing a sense of autumnal relief after Saturday’s humid conditions.

As residents and travelers dealt with the immediate aftermath, they also braced for further rainfall, damaging winds, and isolated tornado threats reported to continue into the evening, as predicted by forecasters. Copious rainfall amounts, particularly in the areas surrounding Route 4 and the Garden State Parkway, compounded concerns, causing some roadways to become impassable due to flooding.

Air travel faced significant delays, further complicating the weekend for many residents. In response to the disruptions and safety hazards posed by the storm, officials urged residents and travelers to remain vigilant regarding updates to travel plans and weather reports, maintaining a readiness to respond to potential power cuts or further severe weather, as projected by analysts.