Communities across parts of the U.S., from New Jersey to Texas, were left reeling after intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall swept through Thursday night, triggering deadly flash floods, power outages, and widespread destruction.
In central New Jersey, officials confirmed at least three storm-related deaths, including two men—ages 79 and 25—who were killed when a tree collapsed onto their vehicle in Plainfield during the height of the storm. Their identities have not yet been publicly released.
“Our hearts are heavy today,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp in a statement. “This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.”
The city canceled its planned Fourth of July celebrations, including a parade, concert, and fireworks show. Mapp noted that the “devastating” weather had caused “deep scars and widespread damage” in the city of over 54,000 residents, calling on the community to regroup and focus on recovery.
Farther north, southern New England also saw damage from the severe weather. Power outages were reported throughout the region, and some towns were pelted with large hail. In northeastern Connecticut, slick roads led to multiple vehicles skidding off highways.
In Texas, central Kerr County was hit especially hard, with up to 10 inches of rain falling in just a few hours overnight. The resulting flash floods caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically, triggering a disaster declaration and rescue efforts across the region.
The river gauge at Hunt—a small community where the river splits—recorded a staggering 22-foot rise in just two hours before failing at 29.5 feet. Officials believe the water level climbed even higher.
“We think the river’s higher than that,” said Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio. “The gauge is completely underwater.”
A flood warning affecting at least 30,000 people was issued overnight, following a flood watch that projected isolated rainfall totals of up to seven inches. The rising Guadalupe River threatened riverfront communities, camps, and wildlife areas.
Texas Game Wardens confirmed that active rescue operations were underway, with additional boats being deployed to assist in the flood zone.
“This is the kind of thing that catches you off guard,” Fogarty warned. “The water’s moving so fast, you may not realize how dangerous it is until it’s too late.”
