Thousands Without Power as Strong Thunderstorms Sweep Across NJ

Thousands Without Power as Strong Thunderstorms Sweep Across NJ

Gusty winds accompanying scattered thunderstorms caused widespread power outages across New Jersey Tuesday night, leaving more than 18,000 homes and businesses without electricity.

According to NJ.com’s Power Outage Tracker, which tracks outage reports from the state’s four major utility providers, more than 5,600 customers had lost power by 8 p.m.

The number continued to rise throughout the evening, reaching 13,670 statewide by 9:30 p.m. Nearly 3,000 outages were reported in and around Woodbury Heights in Gloucester County.

Just before 10 p.m., the statewide outage total had climbed to 18,820.

Earlier Tuesday evening, the largest concentration of outages was reported around East Orange in Essex County, where approximately 940 homes and businesses were without power.

READ MORE: Power Outages in Ocean County

The powerful winds were produced by thunderstorms moving through the region, with wind gusts reaching as high as 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Even stronger gusts were reported in parts of New Jersey. A 70-mph gust was recorded in Lower Alloways Creek Township in Salem County, while winds at the Surf City Yacht Club in Ocean County reached 68 mph.

Forecasters expect unsettled weather to persist through late Tuesday night, with more thunderstorms possible on Wednesday and again Thursday. Meteorologists also warn that an isolated tornado or two cannot be ruled out.

Stay up-to-date with the weather forecast.