Strong storms leave thousands without power in NJ

As a strong line of thunderstorms continues to move through New Jersey, tens of thousands of residents are already without power, especially in the southern part of the state.

Atlantic City Electric is reporting that as of 6:45 p.m., approximately 18,900 people were affected by power outages following the storm, with most of the customers located in Camden and Gloucester counties. The National Weather Service reported at least one wind gust that reached 74 miles per hour in Blackwood.

In areas covered by JCP&L, including Sussex County, about 11,00 customers are without power, according to the utility company.

An additional 3,400 homes and businesses covered by PSE&G were affected by outages Sunday afternoon, the power company reports on its outage map.

According to Meteorologist Dan Zarrow, the most recent severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Ocean, Burlington, southern Monmouth, SE Camden and northern Atlantic counties until 7:15 p.m. A line of storms with wind gusts of 70 mph was expected to hit those areas, causing considerable tree damage and damage to mobile homes, roofs and outbuildings.

Zarrow said that by 10 p.m. Sunday evening, storms should be winding down and/or moving off-shore.

To report outages in your area:

• JCP&L: Click here to report an outage or if there are downed wires, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
• PSE&G: Click here or call 1-800-436-PSEG (1-800-437-7734)
• Atlantic City Electric: Click here or call 1-800-833-7476 to report outages and downed wires.

Power companies warn customers not to go near downed power lines. Always assume they are live. If you see downed lines call your utility company or local police.

Toniann Antonelli is a social content producer for NJ 101.5. She can be reached at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.