3 Killed By Falling Trees, 4th Of July Celebration Canceled As Storm Thrashes Union County

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Three people were killed Thursday as fierce thunderstorms thrashed parts of Union and Somerset counties, resulting in one town declaring a state of emergency and canceling its Fourth of July celebrations

Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp declared a state of emergency in the city Thursday night as the intense thunderstorms blasted the area, causing widespread damage. More than 5,300 homes and businesses in the city were without power as of 11:30 a.m., according to Public Service Electric & Gas. Most of the service was anticipated to be restored by 10 p.m. Friday, city officials said.

Two people were killed in the city when a tree fell on their vehicle, officials said Friday morning. The men, ages 79 and 25, were pronounced dead at the scene just before 7 p.m. from their injuries. Their names and hometowns were not released.

In neighboring North Plainfield, a 44-year-old woman who had pulled over during the height of the storm was killed when a tree uprooted and fell on her Jeep Grand Cherokee. Her body was trapped in the vehicle for several hours while Public Service Electric & Gas crews responded to turn off the power and a tree service responded to hoist the tree with a crane, police said. Read more: Woman Pulls Over In Storm, Killed As Tree Falls On Vehicle In Somerset County

On Friday morning, Mapp announced the city's planned Fourth of July celebration and fireworks are canceled because of the extent of the storm damage, which has resulted in Union County officials closing Cedarbrook Park, he said.

"The devastating storm that struck our city has left deep scars, widespread damage, and thousands still without power," Mapp said in a statement shared on the city's social media sites. "In light of this tragedy, we cannot, in good conscience, proceed with our Fourth of July parade, concert or fireworks."

"This is not a time for celebration. It is a time to regroup and focus all our energy on recovery," Mapp said. "Our emergency personnel, police, fire, DPW, and others, are fully engaged in responding to this crisis. Their work and the safety of our residents must come first."

He said the city also mourns with the families of those killed in the storm.

"This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life," he said.

City officials are "actively working with PSE&G, and crews are already on the ground," the city said in a statement.

Those who have not reported power outages can do so by calling PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734. You can call the PSE&G hotline to check the status for your specific location.

Authorities were warning people to stay away from downed power lines and to call police at the non-emergency number to report them: 908-753-3112. Downed traffic lights also can be reported to the non-emergency number or to public works at 908-753-3427.

"Our Public Works and Signal crews are working hard to clear roads and restore traffic safety. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we recover from this storm," officials said.