On July 3, 2025, a line of severe thunderstorms caused significant damage and multiple fatalities across central New Jersey. The storms, which began in the mid-afternoon and continued into the evening, brought wind gusts exceeding 60 mph and large hail to the region.
In Plainfield, two men died when a tree fell on their car. In North Plainfield, a woman also died when a tree fell on her vehicle. The Plainfield Mayor declared a state of emergency due to extensive damage, including numerous uprooted trees and widespread power outages.
The severe weather significantly disrupted holiday travel plans. Ground stops were implemented at major airports, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations and delays. Despite the forecast of sunny conditions for the Fourth of July, residents were warned about the potential for isolated severe thunderstorms.