Thunderstorms sweep across central N.J.

nj-thunder.JPGView full sizeTrenton Thunder fans take cover from the rain with umbrellas during Saturday's night rain delay game.

A line of brief, powerful thunderstorms slammed the state’s southern and central regions Saturday night, leaving upward of 100,000 homes and businesses without power.

One person was struck and critically injured by lightning in Monmouth Beach, according to National Weather Service, which also reported that the oceanfront Skyride in Seaside Heights had lost power, leaving riders stranded for a time.

Wind gusts of up to 75 mph blew down trees and power lines in Ocean and Monmouth counties, leaving about 30,000 homes and businesses without power in Ocean and about 40,000 in Monmouth, utility companies were reporting about 9:30 p.m.

Swaths of Cumberland, Burlington, Mercer and Middlesex counties also were without electricity.

Last night’s storm arrived eight days after an unusually powerful, deadly storm lashed South Jersey, where utility companies were still patching up the damage.

Star-Ledger staff writer Richard Khavkine contributed to this report.

TODAY'S TEMPERATURE READINGS ACROSS NEW JERSEY
(courtesy of the New Jersey Weather and Climate Network)

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Weather Guy blog

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