New Jersey Braces for More Storms as Over 120,000 Lose Power

Yesterday’s thunderstorms ripped through the Garden State with a ferocity that left a lot of us in the dark—literally. By the time the clouds finally cleared, utility crews had tallied roughly 124,000 customers across New Jersey without power, and the number is still creeping upward.

If you’re wondering whether your street is still on the list, the good news (or bad, depending on how you look at it) is that NJ.com runs a real‑time outage tracker. Just type in your zip code or scroll the map, and you’ll see the exact blocks that are still waiting for the lights to come back on. It’s not perfect, but it’s far better than guessing whether the neighbor next door is still humming their fridge.

What caused the blackout? A perfect storm of high winds, heavy rain, and lightning. Downed trees took out power lines, gusts ripped poles, and a few rogue bolts fried transformers. PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric and the other local utilities have crews on the road around the clock, but the damage is extensive. Some neighborhoods that were dark this morning may stay that way for several hours, while others could see power restored by the afternoon.

Adding insult to injury, the National Weather Service is warning that more severe thunderstorms are on the way later today. Expect more rain, more wind, and a chance of additional downed lines. That means the restoration effort could be hampered again, and the number of customers without power could spike.

So, what can you do while you wait? First, stay safe. Avoid any downed power lines—don’t even touch them with a metal pole or a wet glove. If you need to use a generator, keep it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible; a full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.

Second, stay informed. The live outage map updates every few minutes, and most utilities post restoration estimates on their websites and social‑media channels. If you have a mobile device, consider signing up for text alerts from your utility—those messages usually get through even when the network is spotty.

Lastly, think ahead. A portable power bank, a few extra batteries, and a good flashlight can make a world of difference when the lights go out. And if you’re lucky enough to have a car, a 12‑volt charger can keep a phone alive long enough to check in with friends, family, or the utility’s hotline.

We’ll keep monitoring the situation and updating the tracker as crews make progress. In the meantime, bundle up, stay indoors if the weather gets nasty again, and remember that a little patience goes a long way when you’re waiting for the lights to flick back on.