By: Richard L. Smith
A line of powerful thunderstorms swept across northern New Jersey Friday evening, bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, and frequent lightning that left a trail of downed trees, damaged homes and vehicles, blocked roadways, and major disruptions to NJ TRANSIT rail service as residents headed into the Independence Day weekend.
The strongest impacts were felt across Essex, Passaic, Union, and surrounding counties, where emergency crews spent much of the evening responding to storm-related incidents.
Perhaps the most significant impact was to NJ TRANSIT’s rail network.
According to NJ TRANSIT, severe weather damaged rail infrastructure, forcing the suspension of service on the Morris & Essex Line, Gladstone Branch, Raritan Valley Line, and North Jersey Coast Line through Saturday morning while repair crews worked to restore service.
Rail tickets were being cross-honored on buses and PATH trains to help accommodate stranded commuters.
Throughout Essex County, emergency dispatches reported numerous fallen trees.
In Newark’s South Ward, Councilwoman Donna Jackson spent part of the evening assessing storm damage after multiple trees were brought down by the powerful winds.
According to Jackson, one large tree fell along Clinton Avenue, while another came down on Grumman Avenue, damaging nearby property and several vehicles.
Elsewhere in Newark, emergency crews responded to Wainwright Street after a tree crashed onto a vehicle.
The occupants were able to escape the vehicle before firefighters arrived.
In Livingston, first responders were dispatched to Springbrook Road after a large tree fell onto a residence.
Officials reported no one was trapped inside the home.
In Nutley, a fallen tree blocked one lane of southbound Route 21 near Exit 8, creating traffic delays as crews worked to clear the roadway.
The storm’s destructive winds also caused significant problems in Passaic County. In Clifton, three utility poles snapped and collapsed across westbound Route 46 near Van Houten Avenue, crushing a vehicle beneath the debris. 
The driver had to be extricated by emergency responders before being transported for medical treatment.
Belleville also experienced widespread storm damage.
According to Mayor Frank Velez multiple trees were reported down throughout the township, with several causing damage to homes, vehicles, and other property as municipal crews worked overnight to reopen roads and restore safe travel conditions.
Weather officials had warned that the intense heat gripping the region throughout the week would help fuel strong to severe thunderstorms Friday evening.
As the cold front collided with the hot, humid air mass over New Jersey, storms rapidly intensified, producing damaging wind gusts capable of toppling trees and power lines across portions of the state.
Cleanup efforts continued into the overnight hours, and transportation officials cautioned residents to expect lingering delays as crews remove fallen trees, repair damaged infrastructure, and restore rail service.
Authorities continue to urge motorists to use caution while traveling Saturday, remain alert for debris on roadways, and avoid areas where utility crews are actively working to restore service.