Residents of North Plainfield faced significant disruptions during the holiday weekend as efforts to recover from a severe storm continued. The storm, which struck on Thursday, unleashed winds reaching up to 80 miles per hour, leaving communities grappling with the aftermath.
More than a day after the storm, streets throughout the borough were strewn with uprooted trees, downed power lines, and damaged vehicles. Local power crews worked diligently to restore electricity and clear debris. Reynaldo Lopez, a local resident, described the moment the storm struck, recalling the terrifying sounds that accompanied the chaos. “I was actually watching TV when I heard all the noise,” he shared, reflecting on the power outages that plagued the area during the storm.
Another resident, Tammy Traylor, described the experience as unsettling, noting how quickly the storm progressed, with rain pouring sideways and power fluctuating rapidly. “The rain was literally sideways,” she explained, recalling the moment a tree fell into a neighbor’s home on West End Avenue. Thankfully, the homeowner was unharmed.
The storm’s impact was felt tragically by the community when a 44-year-old woman from Middlesex lost her life after a tree fell on her vehicle as she sought shelter on Greenbrook Road. “My heart goes out to the family who lost the young lady on Greenbrook Road,” Traylor expressed, highlighting the shock and sorrow within the community.
Adding to the disruptions, the long-anticipated community day festival and fireworks planned for Saturday have been postponed. For those affected by the power outages, the local Community Center will provide water supplies on Saturday afternoon, offering some much-needed assistance.
The spirit of resilience is evident as the community comes together to support one another during this challenging time, demonstrating the strength of North Plainfield in the face of adversity.