Powerful storms cause NJ Transit disruptions, suspensions; massive power outages, 1 man killed
HOBOKEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- In New Jersey, clean up is underway after powerful storms toppled trees and knocked out power for several thousand residents.
There have been thunderstorms in the area since Friday, and it is impacting NJ Transit service Monday morning.
The Morris and Essex line will have limited service, and the Gladstone branch will remain suspended.
The severe weather brought down trees and knocked out power.
Jared Hirschowitz, 41, was killed when a large tree limb crashed onto his moving vehicle on Raritan Road near Quimby Lane in Scotch Plains.
It happened around 8:08 p.m. Friday night.
A 40-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat was treated at the scene before being taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
The Friday night storm also brought down around 60 trees which affected NJ Transit service and crews have had to clean up storm debris on tracks. They're working to get service back to normal.
Eyewitness News has heard that the NJ Transit Hoboken Terminal was damaged by the weather and construction debris.
Governor Mikie Sherrill says they are working to get things back on track.
"We're moving really, really quickly to address these things, get people power back as fast as possible, get rails cleared," Sherrill said.
Residents say the storm created a shocking scene.
"I saw things spinning around, like you see in a movie. So, I just assumed it was a twister," a resident said. "I've been through hurricanes here and whatnot. But this was the most intense. It looked like straight-line wind."
More than 67,000 remain without power in New Jersey. That number has improved since Saturday when there was 175,000 affected.
MORE NJ TRANSIT INFORMATION:
Morris & Essex Lines:
July 6: Trains will operate limited service between Summit and New York only with the exception of three early morning departures from Hoboken Terminal at 4:39 AM, 5:38 AM, and 6:18 AM.
A full Morris & Essex Line schedule for Monday, July 6, is available here.
Gladstone Branch:
July 6: Train service will remain suspended along the entire Gladstone Branch from New Providence to Gladstone. Gladstone Branch tickets and passes will be accepted for travel on the Raritan Valley Line, Morris & Essex, and Montclair-Boonton Lines.
Raritan Valley Line:
July 6: Raritan Valley Line suspended between High Bridge and Annandale. Substitute bus service is being provided.
Montclair-Boonton Line:
July 6: Service will operate on a regular weekday schedule available here.
Check with NJTransit.com for updated information.
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