A quick-moving but violent thunderstorm carved a path of chaos and destruction across Central Jersey Thursday evening, July 3 causing at least one fatality, severe damage and leaving thousands without power.

The storm, which raced southeast from northern Hunterdon County, through eastern Somerset County and western Union County before sweeping across northern Middlesex Country, struck during the evening rush hour on the day before the Fourth of July.

As of 8 a.m. Friday, Public Service Electric and Gas was reporting that more than 15,000 customers were without power in the most severely impacted area of Plainfield, North Plainfield, Dunellen, and South Plainfield. The utility was reporting that power was expecting to be restored by 10 p.m. Friday.

According to the National Weather Service, a wind gust of 62 mph was recorded in the Colonia section of Woodbridge and a 55-mph gust was recorded in Perth Amboy. One-inch hailstones were reported near Bethlehem and Easton in the Lehigh Valley.

The heaviest damage came in the area of Warren, Watchung, Green Brook, North Plainfield and Plainfield before reaching Perth Amboy. Throughout the area large trees were uprooted by the storm in residential neighborhoods bringing down utility lines. Several homes were damaged by large falling trees. Traffic on both interstates 78 and 287 were disrupted by trees on the highways.

Media reports say North Plainfield Mayor Lawrence La Ronde confirmed one fatality during the storms

A Middlesex County woman was driving along Greenbrook Road when she pulled over to sit out the storm. But a large tree and electrical wires came down on her vehicle, La Ronde. told WABC news.

Gov. Phil Murphy urged residents to stay home. In a post on X, Murphy said, “I have been briefed on the severe thunderstorm and heavy winds that hit Central Jersey this evening and resulted in fatalities. The towns of Plainfield, North Plainfield, Bound Brook, and Dunellen sustained damage, among others.

“If you’re in the area, please stay inside and avoid any downed trees, power lines, or burning transformers. We are in close touch with local mayors and emergency response officials to provide support.”

A state of emergency was declared in Plainfield. The city’s Independence Day Parade, concert, and fireworks have been canceled. The school district’s BBQ at Charles and Anna Booker School is also canceled.

Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento opened Dunellen High School as a shelter for displaced residents. The North Plainfield Community Center on Greenbrook also opened as an emergency center. The mayor has also declared a state of emergency in the borough.

The South Plainfield Office of Emergency Management has opened the courtroom in Borough Hall for residents who need to charge phones and devices.

Watchung Police were advising residents to stay inside their homes. At least three roads were closed in the borough because of downed wires

The Somerset County Park Commission closed Warrenbrook Golf Course in Warren on July 4, one of the busiest days of the season, because of severe damage.

The heat and humidity in Central Jersey over the past two weeks has ended with the passage of the cold front ushered by the severe storms.