Republished April 15, 2019 - 6:53 AM
Original Publication Date April 15, 2019 - 5:06 AM
TOMS RIVER, N.J. - New Jerseyans are cleaning up after severe weather roared through state, disrupting travel and knocking out power to thousands of utility customers.
The storms — containing heavy rains, lightning and strong winds — hit the state early Monday, spawning a tornado watch and flooding roadways in some areas.
Authorities believe lightning sparked a house fire in Rutherford, displacing six residents, while the storms also caused the roof to collapse at an apartment complex in Camden, though no injuries were reported.
Rail service on New Jersey Transit's North Jersey Coast Line was suspended in both directions because of a downed tree near Middletown. NJ Transit bus and private carriers were accepting rail tickets and passes.
More than 20,000 utility customers lost power when the storms hit, though crews were able to quickly restore service to most customers.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019