More than 9,500 New Jersey customers lost power Monday morning after heavy rain and thunderstorms triggered flash flood warnings, disrupted travel and left utility crews scrambling to restore service.
WEBDESK – HAJIRA IRFAN – NJNEWSLINE
For many New Jersey residents, Monday began with dark homes, flooded roads and the sound of relentless rain outside.
Powerful overnight thunderstorms swept across the state before dawn, knocking out electricity to thousands of homes and businesses while drenching communities with heavy rainfall. As commuters prepared to head out, many instead found themselves dealing with power outages, flooded streets and weather alerts warning that the worst might not be over.
By around 6:30 a.m., more than 9,500 customers across New Jersey were without electricity, according to outage data compiled from the state’s four major utility companies. With rain continuing to fall, restoration crews began responding to reports of storm-related damage while monitoring changing weather conditions.
Bernard’s Township Among the Hardest Hit
One of the largest concentrations of outages was reported in Bernard’s Township in Somerset County.
More than 2,500 Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) customers were without power early Monday, affecting nearly 20% of the township’s homes and businesses. Although utilities had not yet released a detailed breakdown of what caused each outage, severe thunderstorms frequently bring down tree limbs, damage power lines and leave neighborhoods without electricity.
Elsewhere across the state, scattered outages were also reported as utility companies worked to identify damaged equipment and dispatch repair crews.
Heavy Rain Brings Flooding Concerns
The storms packed more than just lightning and strong winds.
Weather officials said 1 to 3 inches of rain had already fallen across parts of Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex and Morris counties before sunrise. With the ground already saturated in some locations, the additional rainfall quickly increased the risk of flooding.
Flash flood warnings and flood advisories remained in effect across much of New Jersey Monday morning. Emergency officials urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roads, warning that moving water can be deeper and more dangerous than it appears.
Several roads experienced ponding, while low-lying areas and places with poor drainage faced the greatest flooding concerns.
More Storms Could Follow
The rough start to the day was not expected to end with the morning commute.
The National Weather Service forecast called for additional showers and thunderstorms through the early afternoon, bringing the possibility of more heavy rain, localized flooding and isolated power outages before conditions gradually improve.
Forecasters encouraged residents to keep an eye on weather alerts throughout the day, as additional warnings could be issued if storms become stronger or rainfall intensifies.
Utility Crews Work to Restore Service
As the storms moved across New Jersey, electric companies continued working to restore power where it was safe to do so.
Restoration efforts can take longer during active weather because crews must first assess damaged infrastructure and ensure power lines are safe before beginning repairs. Utilities typically restore electricity first in areas where repairs will return service to the greatest number of customers before moving to smaller outages.
Officials also reminded residents to stay well away from any downed power lines and report them immediately, assuming they are energized until crews confirm otherwise.
A Stormy Start With Recovery Still Ahead
While many communities were already cleaning up by mid-morning, the impact of the storms was still unfolding. For thousands of families, the day began without electricity, while others faced flooded roads, delayed travel and an uncertain forecast.
With more rain still possible, utility crews remain focused on restoring service as quickly as conditions allow. Until the weather system moves out, officials are urging residents to stay informed, avoid flooded roadways and prepare for the possibility that additional storms could bring fresh disruptions before New Jersey finally catches a break.
