Marek Kučera 
Severe thunderstorms struck Central New Jersey on the evening of July 3, 2025, resulting in at least three fatalities and significant damage. The storms brought heavy rain, hail, and wind gusts up to 80 mph, which caused numerous trees and power lines to fall across the region.
In North Plainfield, a woman was killed when a tree and power lines fell on her car while she was stopped along Greenbrook Road. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the car’s lights still on and the storm’s intensity making clear the occupant had not survived.
Two additional deaths occurred in nearby Plainfield, where large trees and electrical lines crashed down on roads, homes, and vehicles. In one case, a car was reportedly tossed into the air by the storm’s force. Local resident Donna Lynn returned home to find a tree had crashed through her roof into her workroom but was thankfully not inside at the time.
Both Plainfield and North Plainfield declared states of emergency in response to the devastation. Governor Phil Murphy urged residents to avoid downed wires and debris, emphasizing that multiple towns suffered serious damage. As of Friday morning, cleanup efforts were ongoing with nearly 32,000 customers still without power in New Jersey.
Due to the destruction, July 4th celebrations in North Plainfield were canceled to prioritize recovery operations.
The National Weather Service reported over two dozen storm incidents across central New Jersey, with wind gusts between 60 and 65 mph recorded. The combination of severe weather and saturated ground conditions contributed to the widespread damage.
Authorities continue to assess the damage and restore essential services. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution when moving around affected areas.
Source: https://x.com/WeatherMonitors/status/1941122094672105965
