Strong winds topple trees, knock out power across New York, New Jersey

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Intense winds toppled trees and brought down power lines Thursday morning, leaving thousands without power across New York and New Jersey.

In the Charleston section of Staten Island, one person was hurt by a falling tree or tree branch that landed on a car on Arthur Kill Road just after 8:30 a.m. The victim was taken to Staten Island University Hospital North for treatment of trauma.

Nearly 20,000 customers were without power in New Jersey at the peak of outages, and customers on Long Island and in New York City, Westchester and Putnam counties were also affected.

A tree took down three telephone poles in Wyckoff:

New Jersey Transit's Morris and Essex line's service was suspended between Millburn and Summit in both directions due to trees down across the tracks. Service resumed with 30-minute delays around 8 a.m.

A spokesman said they had a downed wire near the Short Hills station and were checking reports of a downed tree near the Maplewood station as well. NJT's bus and private carriers were cross honoring rail tickets and passes systemwide.

A tree fell across the track at Cortelyou Road, suspending B train service between Brighton Beach and Second Avenue in both directions. Southbound Q train service also was suspended from Kings Highway to Prospect Park. Northbound Q trains were running.

In Hackensack, at Cedar Avenue and Louis Street, there were wires and poles down due to a fallen tree.

A look at more trees that fell in New Jersey, slowing NJT service (credit @njtransit via Twitter):

Northeast Corridor train service was subject to 20-minute delays in both directions due to debris on the overhead wires as a result of the wind.

LaGuardia and Newark airport travelers were experiencing nearly two-hour delays. Newark Airtrain is suspended due to high winds, and buses are being provided by the Port Authority between Newark station and all terminals.

Berkeley Heights Public Schools in New Jersey had two-hour delayed openings due to a power outage caused by the high winds. Morning kindergarten or preschool classes were closed.