Severe thunderstorms swept through the Northeast overnight, claiming lives, disrupting holiday travel, and leaving widespread damage.
At a Glance
- At least three people were killed in central New Jersey after falling trees struck vehicles.
- Strong winds up to 60 mph and hail battered communities across Connecticut and New Jersey.
- Thousands were left without power, with outages peaking above 10,000 before easing.
- Flooding submerged streets and stranded vehicles in Connecticut towns.
- Multiple Fourth of July events, including parades and fireworks, were canceled in affected areas.
Deadly Tree Falls and Travel Disruption
On the night of July 3–4, a line of powerful thunderstorms raced through the Northeast, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds, and hail. In Plainfield, New Jersey, two men aged 79 and 25 died when a tree fell onto their vehicle, prompting officials to cancel the town’s July Fourth parade and concert as the city declared a state of emergency, according to ABC News. Another fatality was reported in North Plainfield, where storm-lashed trees and power lines severely impacted communities.
Across Connecticut, downed trees and flooding closed roads, while one tree trunk smoldered with embers after lightning struck in Coventry, as CT Insider reported.
Watch a report: Powerful storms slam Northeast overnight.
Power Outages, Flooding, Canceled Events
Utilities were crippled as over 10,000 customers in New Jersey lost power, and thousands more in Connecticut and New York experienced outages, according to NBC New York. Major flooding struck Manchester, CT, submerging roadways and causing structural damage, while lightning sparked fires on Long Island.
CT Insider noted that lightning also ignited trees and damaged utility poles in multiple towns. Airports in New York reported delays and ground stops that hampered travel plans, further complicating the Fourth of July rush.
Power outages affected up to 10,400 PSE&G customers in Rockland County, and widespread tree-related power failures triggered warnings to stay off roads and avoid downed wires, per NBC New York.
Recovery and Outlook
As communities begin cleanup and restoration, weather services report a return to calmer Fourth of July conditions. However, officials warn that residual flooding and unstable trees may continue posing risks through the holiday. Emergency services emphasize caution around debris, fallen wires, and saturated roads. Recovery efforts are underway, with crews restoring power, clearing trees, and assessing storm damage.
