Thousands Powerless, Train Line Shuttered, Beach Concert Evacuated As Storms Tear Through NJ

NEW JERSEY - The severe weather that rocked the Garden State Thursday night left tens of thousands without power, prompted a beach evacuation and shut down NJ Transit lines.

While severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for many areas around the state, The National Weather Service is not confirming any tornadoes touching down at this time in New Jersey. One of the areas hit the hardest, Monmouth County, is still without service to multiple traffic lights along Rt. 34 and other main roads as of Friday morning. Tens of thousands of residents are still without power, some for longer than 10 hours.

OUTAGES:

As of 10 a.m., the following estimated outages have been reported:

Atlantic City Electric: 312

JCP&L (FirstEnergy): 26,672

PSE&G: 1,600

According to AccuWeather, more than 300,000 customers up and down the I-95 corridor are still without power throughout the northeast United States after the severe weather. This number is down from 600,000.

Transit Impacts

NJ TRANSIT service along the North Jersey Coast Line is suspended in both directions due to storm damage. The agency says downed trees on wires and tracks near Middletown are causing the disruption. Rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored through NJ TRANSIT bus and partner services.

The Princeton Shuttle (Dinky) line is also suspended in both directions due to overhead wire disruption.

Travelers are encouraged to visit the NJ TRANSIT Alternate, Back-up, and Contingency (ABC) page for help.

Beach Evacuated

Wildwood's Barefoot Music Fest was suspended and the grounds evacuated shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday night. After a two-hour hiatus, the grounds were reopened.

Tens of thousands of concertgoers visit the beach each year for the multi-day event now in it's fifth installment. Jason Aldean, Megan Moroney, Rascal Flatts and Jelly Roll are among the performers.

WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR FRIDAY: