Severe Storms Cause Fatalities and Widespread Damage in Central New Jersey

Overnight Thursday, powerful storms swept through central New Jersey, resulting in at least three fatalities caused by fallen trees. The violent weather, with winds reaching up to 80 mph, uprooted trees, destroyed property, and knocked out power for thousands of residents.

In Plainfield, a vehicle was crushed by a large tree between 6 and 7 p.m., killing two men aged 25 and 79. Nearby in North Plainfield, a woman parked on Greenbrook Road was also killed when a massive tree fell on her car while she was waiting out the storm. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris and damaged sidewalks, and confirmed that the victim was deceased when rescuers arrived.

A tree is shown on top of a car where a fatality occurred in Plainfield — A woman who had pulled over during the storm was killed when a tree collapsed onto her vehicle.
– *ZUMAPRESS.com*

The storm’s impact extended beyond fatalities, with numerous homes suffering structural damage, downed power lines, and blocked roads. In total, more than 20,000 households experienced power outages, mainly in Middlesex County. Videos circulating on social media depict fallen trees tearing through homes and littering streets with debris.

A large tree toppled onto a home during the storms — A tree crashed into a house during the severe storm.
– *FOX 5 NEW YORK*

The North Plainfield Fire Department reported significant structural damage to several homes. Emergency responders and city officials declared a state of emergency in both towns, halting public events such as the Fourth of July celebrations to prioritize recovery efforts. Authorities continue to assess the damage and work on restoring power and safety across the affected areas.