A mortal storm with winds that exceed 60 mph crossed the center of New Jersey on Thursday night, forcing a city to cancel its July 4 celebrations.
New Jersey governor, Phil Murphy, said the cities of Plainfield and North Plainfield, about 30 miles outside New York, were among the most affected.
The severe storm caused deaths, Murphy said, but he didn’t say how many died. ABC New York Station Wabc They reported that two people died in Plainfield and one died in North Plainfield.
On this screen, get a video taken on July 4, 2025, a large fallen tree is shown after a storm moved by North Plainfield, NJ
Wabc
On this screen, get a video taken on July 4, 2025, a work team is shown after a storm moved by North Plainfield, NJ
Wabc
Plainfield is under an emergency, with Mayor Adrian Mapp saying that the “devastating storm” left “deep scars” and “generalized damage.”
“In the light of this tragedy, we cannot, in good awareness, continue with our parade, concert or fireworks of July 4,” said the mayor in a statement overnight. “This is not a time for celebration. It is a time to regroup and focus all our energy on recovery.”
On this screen, get a video taken on July 4, 2025, a work team is shown after a storm moved by North Plainfield, NJ
Wabc
“There will be a time to celebrate again, to lift our flags and enjoy the joys of the community,” said the mayor. “But at this time, we must unite to clean each other, support each other and start the reconstruction work.”
Governor Murphy on Thursday night warned residents inside to avoid overthrown trees, fallen electric lines and burning transformers.
On this screen of a video, a large fallen tree is shown after a storm moved by North Plainfield, NJ, on July 3, 2025.
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