Storms leave flooded roads, fallen trees and damaged homes across New Jersey
HAWORTH, New Jersey (WABC) -- Back-to-back storms battered New Jersey, causing widespread flooding, knocking down trees and leaving homeowners dealing with significant damage Wednesday morning.
In Haworth, a massive tree crashed into a home on Spring Lane, leaving the homeowner without power or gas. It slammed into the roof just feet from where he was eating breakfast.
David Cieplicki said he heard a loud crack and realized a tree had fallen into his house. The impact pierced the roof and extended into the living room of the home, which he renovated about six years ago.
He escaped injury but now faces extensive repairs and temporary displacement while insurance adjusters and inspectors assess the damage.
The damage in Haworth is one of many examples of the destruction left behind by the storms. In Midland Park, residents said a lightning strike caused a large tree branch to break off and crash into a home on Susan Avenue. The branch struck the corner of the house near a bedroom and also crushed vehicles parked in the driveway. No injuries were reported.
Flooding created dangerous conditions across parts of northern New Jersey. In Paterson, roads became inundated with water, leaving vehicles stranded and prompting numerous emergency rescues. Mayor Andre Sayegh said the city received more than 30 storm-related calls and crews rescued more than 20 people from floodwaters.
In Hawthorne, dramatic video captured muddy water rushing through a business district as nearby waterways overflowed. As cleanup efforts continue, residents across the state are assessing the damage from a storm system that brought heavy rain, lightning and hail, while utility crews work to restore power and clear debris.
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