By: Richard L. Smith
Severe weather swept through the Hudson and Essex County region, leaving its mark with heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms early Saturday morning.
The effects of the wicked storms were felt by about 1500 households in the Kearny and East Newark area, particularly near Woodland Avenue and Johnston Avenue, where PSEG reported power outages around 3:30 a.m.
About 2200 people are without power in Essex County alone PSEG said.
The storm system brought a deluge of rain, with approximately an inch of rain falling in the Hudson/Essex County region.
Heavy rain began around 1 a.m. and continued for over an hour, unleashing torrential rainfall that led to localized flooding in some areas.
Hudson and Essex counties were affected by the storm's fury, and the Somerset County town of Bridgewater, where approximately 2000 homes and businesses found themselves without power.
Several towns in Essex County reported trees down, but no serious injuries or property damage were reported.
As the day progresses, the region remains on alert for more possible turbulent weather.
According to the National Weather Service, Showers and thunderstorms are expected, and some of these storms might bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning.
Much of the outages are expected to be rectified by 9 a.m. Sunday.