Thunderstorms plow through New Jersey, thousands without power

Severe thunderstorms predicted for much of the state largely arrived on cue early Monday evening, with heavy weather seen from Hackettstown to Woodbridge to Newark.

Nearly every county except those in the southernmost part of the state was under a severe thunderstorm watch called by the National Weather Service. The watch was in effect until 8 p.m. Flash flood warnings remained in effect until 11 p.m. for Camden and Burlington counties.

Heavy showers accompanied by steady blasts of thunder and lightning were reported across the state during rush hour and were wreaking havoc with the evening commute.

In Jersey City, a downed tree interrupted service on the Hudson Bergen Light Rail line between Danforth Avenue and 8th Street around 5:30 p.m. Monday, NJ Transit reported.

At Newark Liberty International Airport, there were delays of up to two hours due to the weather, the FAA reported.

There were also several reports of roadway flooding and downed trees, as well as widespread power outages. More than 15,000 PSEG customers were without power, including more than 1,500 around North Bergen, 8,300 in the Elizabeth area, more than 3,100 in Ewing and Trenton and more than 1,600 in the vicinity of New Brunswick.

An additional 25,000 customers were without power throughout Jersey Central Power and Light's service area.

The state Department of Transportation said a tree came down on the Exit 8 southbound I-95 ramp in Lawrence, flooding along RT. 1 & 9 near Sip Avenue in Jersey City forced lane closures, as well as lane closures along Rt. 7 in Kearny.

In Newark, police advised motorists to avoid several streets and intersections left underwater by Monday's rains, including Clay Street at McCarter Highway, Avenue L and Wilson Avenue, Ferry and Foundry streets, Orange Street and Norfolk Street.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook. 

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