Story perspectives

Storm kills driver, knocks out power, halts transit, delays fireworks

7/6/2026

Center

Storm Halts Transit

A 41-year-old driver died after a large tree limb struck his car on Raritan Road in Scotch Plains Friday night.
The storm on July 3-4 knocked out power for 100,000 customers and suspended Morris & Essex, Gladstone, North Jersey Coast lines.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said crews repairing for FIFA match at MetLife Stadium Sunday.
Towns postponed canceled Fourth of July fireworks and parades because showers were forecast next week.

Right

Flynn Blames Outage

Republican Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn and lawmakers blasted Governor Mikie Sherrill and utilities for poor communication and no emergency declaration.
Power outages left thousands without electricity and forced NJ Transit to suspend Morris & Essex and Gladstone rail service.
Chris Hoenig reported crews worked 16-hour shifts, cleared a thousand trees and restored power daily.
Monday, 54,955 JCP&L and PSE&G customers lacked power, prompting NJ Transit to promise bus substitutes.

History

Historical Context

In March 1993 a nor'easter forecast by the National Weather Service hit from the Gulf to Canada, cutting power to over 10 million households and causing $5.5 billion in damage. Governor James Florio declared a state of emergency, and the rail shutdowns later guided NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri’s July 2024 suspension of Morris & Essex and Gladstone lines, underscoring coordinated utility and transit planning.

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Storm Halts Transit

A 41-year-old driver died after a large tree limb struck his car on Raritan Road in Scotch Plains Friday night.
The storm on July 3-4 knocked out power for 100,000 customers and suspended Morris & Essex, Gladstone, North Jersey Coast lines.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said crews repairing for FIFA match at MetLife Stadium Sunday.
Towns postponed canceled Fourth of July fireworks and parades because showers were forecast next week.

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