Lightning Strikes Homes As Severe Thunderstorms Rattle Brick

BRICK, NJ — The severe thunderstorms Tuesday packed powerful lightning that struck four homes and trees in Brick Township, but there were no fires or injuries, authorities said.

Brick Township police received 71 calls for assistance during the storm, Patrol Officer Terence Berkeley said, as the storm dropped more than 2 inches of rain on the township, according to the National Weather Service.

Berkeley said the amount of rain that fell locally — neighboring Howell received nearly 3 inches, Jackson received nearly 5 inches and Point Pleasant received more than 2.5 inches — contributed to flash flooding in low-lying areas and traffic hazards.

There were scattered power outages but they were resolved by Wednesday morning.

Photos of lightning in Brick and other Ocean County towns were posted on the Exit 80 Scanner News Facebook page.