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Thousands across New Jersey lose power as storms topple trees and wires

In Cranford, News 12 crews found a large tree down across Benjamin Street and William Street.

Lauren Due

Mar 17, 2026, 7:16 AM

Updated

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Homes across New Jersey were without power after powerful storms knocked down trees and wires overnight.

In Plainfield, several large power poles and wires were down across E 3rd Street. At least 2 cars were crushed and residents say they lost power.

A large tree came down in Elmwood Park, closing 54th Street near Interstate 80.

A family of four survived a tree crashing through the center of their home on Wakefield Avenue in Metuchen.

In Piscataway Township, Albert Street was closed between Walnut Street and Rock Avenue for a time due to downed trees and power lines.

County Line Road was temporarily closed between Somerset Avenue and Twin Oaks Drive in Lakewood due to two downed poles and utility wires spanning the roadway.

Stokes Road in Medford was closed between Himmelein Road and Mill Street due to downed telephone poles.

Downed trees in Deptford crush vehicles

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Downed tree in Monroe Township (photo courtesy of Marsha Brown)

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Downed trees in Gloucester Township

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In Cranford, News 12 crews found a large tree down across Benjamin Street and William Street.

The tree landed on wires and several cars, leaving the entire block without power.

Neighbors said they heard a loud boom around 1 a.m. as the storm moved through Union County.

News 12's Lauren Due in Cranford early this morning

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