Storms Left Thousands Without Power in New Jersey
High winds and heavy rain damaged utility infrastructure across the state, causing widespread outages.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Severe Weather
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Severe weather caused power outages for over 30,000 customers in New Jersey on Saturday morning. The storm system, which brought gusts as high as 74 mph, also forced the suspension of NJ Transit light rail service.
Why it matters
High winds and heavy rain caused significant damage to utility infrastructure, grounding repair crews and disrupting transportation across the region. Utility providers have deployed thousands of personnel to address the widespread outages.
A wind gust of 74 mph was recorded in Surf City, while Long Beach Island saw gusts up to 69 mph. Approximately 1.5 inches of rain fell, and a workforce of 3,200 is currently addressing the damage.
The players
NJ Transit
This is the statewide public transportation agency that suspended RiverLine light rail service between Florence and Cass Street due to the storm.
Edison Elks Lodge 2487
This local fraternal organization's building was destroyed by a fire overnight during the severe weather event.
The details
Gusty winds knocked down trees and power lines, with utility companies including JCP&L, PSE&G, and Atlantic City Electric managing the grid damage. Repair efforts were initially hampered as winds exceeding 40 mph forced bucket crews to remain grounded for safety.
Timeline
Friday night: A wind gust of 74 mph was recorded in Surf City.
Overnight: Edison Elks Lodge 2487 was destroyed by fire.
Saturday morning: 30,000 customers remain without power.
10:45 a.m.: Reported outage statistics were released.
Seasonal Patterns
The operational limits imposed on utility crews follow the standard safety protocols established by the National Weather Service's wind gust safety thresholds for utility crews. These measures reflect the recurring challenges of managing regional grid infrastructure during intense coastal wind events.
Residents should remain clear of downed power lines and report outages to their respective utility providers. NJ Transit commuters should monitor local service updates before traveling, as light rail operations remain affected by the storm.
The takeaway
Severe storms frequently test the resilience of New Jersey power grids by grounding repair crews during the height of the weather event. Homeowners should maintain emergency kits and stay updated on local utility restoration estimates as crews work to address the damage.
Further reading
For more information on storm-related safety and preparedness, visit Severe Weather.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Jersey 101.5.
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