Severe storms flood New Jersey, uproot trees, and cut power

Severe Weather Disrupts New Jersey with Flooding and Power Outages

A multi-day deluge of rain, dangerous winds, and severe weather has wreaked havoc across New Jersey, causing widespread damage. The storm has led to flooding, downed trees, power outages, and major disruptions to NJ Transit services.

One of the most extreme cases of weather-related damage occurred at a BJ’s Wholesale Club in Monmouth County on Monday morning. A roof partially collapsed under the weight of excessive rain, sending water and debris into the store. This incident was a direct result of flash flooding that affected South Jersey.

The roof collapse at the BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township highlights the severity of the situation. Local authorities are monitoring the area closely as they work to assess the extent of the damage and ensure public safety.

State of Emergency Declared in Paramus

Further north, a state of emergency has been declared in Paramus due to straight-line winds that swept through the town on Saturday. These powerful gusts caused massive trees to fall throughout the area, leading to significant property damage.

One homeowner is dealing with the aftermath of a tree falling across her backyard. “It’s about 50 feet tall by 30 to 50 feet wide. It fell on my house. So, it ruined my deck, and now there’s a hole in my roof,” she said. The impact of the storm has left many residents concerned about the ongoing threat of more rain and further damage.

Residents Face Ongoing Challenges

Homeowners without power and already dealing with damage are worried about more rain. “I got a gentleman on Sunday that cleared off that roof that I had to put tarp because of all this rain. I don’t want to get, you know, leaks in my house,” said storm victim Anthony Parna.

In Asbury Park, parts of the city were left underwater due to the flash flooding. Similarly, Neptune saw streets completely flooded on Monday afternoon, with homeowners complaining about clogged storm drains. “The girl was scared that the water was coming to the steps. If he hadn’t cleaned these drains out over here, these streets would still be flooded,” said Neptune resident Patricia Wims.

Neptune officials reported that more than 25 people were rescued during the height of the storm. They also noted that about 100 residences and 25 businesses were impacted, along with both pump stations on Laird Avenue.

Governor’s Response to the Crisis

In a video statement on Monday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill addressed the ongoing crisis. “We’re not through it yet. More heavy rainfall is expected tonight and flooding remains a real concern. Please monitor your local forecast, charge your devices, and never drive through flooded roadways,” she said.

Tragic Incident in Scotch Plains

The storm also claimed a life in Scotch Plains. On Friday, 41-year-old Jared Hirschowitz was killed when a large tree limb crashed onto his moving vehicle on Raritan Road near Quimby Lane. A 40-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat was treated at the scene before being taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Impact on NJ Transit

Severe thunderstorms, which have been affecting the area since Friday, continue to impact NJ Transit service on Monday. Here are the latest updates:

• North Jersey Coast Line rail service is operating on or close to schedule in both directions between Long Branch and Bay Head stations following earlier weather-related signal issues.
• Due to ongoing repairs following this weekend’s storms, Gladstone Branch service remains suspended through the end of the day Monday. All other rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
• NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes are being cross honored by NJ TRANSIT and private carrier buses and PATH at Hoboken Terminal, Newark Penn Station, and 33rd Street, New York.
• NJ TRANSIT repairs along the Gladstone Branch rail line have been completed. Gladstone service is expected to resume on a regular weekday schedule, Tuesday, July 7, contingent on JCP&L completing necessary repairs to their infrastructure, expected to be completed by the end of the service day, Monday, July 6.
• Morris and Essex line rail service will operate on a modified weekday schedule between Morristown and Penn Station New York/Hoboken Terminal on Tuesday, July 7.
• Montclair-Boonton line rail service will operate on a modified weekday schedule on Tuesday, July 7.

As the state continues to recover from the storm, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.