Port Authority officials are reporting that an evacuation is underway of Newark airport's air traffic control due to tornado threats.
Heavy rain and winds up to 40 miles per hour began to produce 'radar indicating' tornado activity in the area.
Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Bergen, and Hunterdon counties are facing historic flooding and police statewide are urging residents to remain indoors as streets have been turned into rivers throughout northern NJ.
Over in Kearny, emergency responders and rescue crews performed several rescues at the U.S. Post Office at 1200 Harrison Avenue after rain and wind caused the roof of the building to collapse.
Police announced several injuries, but no fatalities were reported.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service said tornadoes touched down in Maryland and New Jersey, with tornado watches issued for parts of New York and Connecticut.
According to NJ101.5, PSEG is reporting about 20,000 homes and businesses without power as of 9:30 p.m.
Please stay indoors and don't attempt to drive.
UPDATE: 9:40 p.m. Port Authority is reporting that EWR's air traffic control has been repopulated. Officials are assessing flooding near the tower at this time.
IMAGE: Elizabeth NJ