'Devastating' fatal storms hit Northeast ahead of Fourth of July weekend celebrations
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement on X after 9 p.m. Thursday that he had been briefed by local officials that the storms resulted in an unspecified number of fatalities.
There were no further details released on the deaths, but he said the cities of North Plainfield, Bound Brook, Dunellen and Plainfield, where a state of emergency was declared, were among the worst hit.
'If you're in the area, please stay inside and avoid any downed trees, power lines, or burning transformers,' Murphy said.
Footage posted to social media showed that large trees had been toppled by strong winds in North Plainfield, while another video showed downed power lines in Salt Point, New Jersey. Videos also showed heavy hail falling across the region.
"The devastating storm that struck our city has left deep scars, widespread damage, and thousands still without power," Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement on Facebook.
The priority was to 'begin the work of rebuilding,' he said.
"In light of this tragedy we cannot, in all good conscience proceed with our Fourth of July parade, concert, or fireworks," he added.
Almost 44,000 energy customers were in the dark in New York State at 6 a.m., as well as 24,000 in New Jersey and 23,000 in Massachusetts.
New York City appears to have avoided the worst effects of the storm, but damage was reported from Connecticut into central New Jersey.
Some 39 million people were subject to alerts and warnings for thunderstorms on Thursday, putting holiday celebrations and travel plans at risk.
By Friday morning, the number affected had dropped to 11.5 million, according to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, but severe storms and very strong winds are still possible across parts of the Northern and Central Plains toward the upper Mississippi Valley. Florida and Western Texas could see heavy rainfall.
Fireworks displays may be affected by storms or rain after dusk in these areas.
Fourth of July celebrations were also cancelled on Anna Maria Island, Florida, because of the risk of storms and flooding, while a celebration at North Port, Florida, was postponed.
There were widespread flight delays across East Coast terminals Thursday night, with a ground stop or ground delays declared at New York airports, but there were minimal delays Friday morning.
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