The odds of being struck by lightning is less than one in a million in a given year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But people have died from lightning strikes in New Jersey before. In June 2024, a Manchester man was killed in Seaside Park.

One of the two people who died in Plainfield, New Jersey, during Monday's intense storms has been identified as a beloved member of the local school district.Lubia Estevez, 60, worked as a food services cashier in the Plainfield School District for 15 years.

Elected officials and environmental organizations are calling for the full adoption of the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) NJPACT

Footage shows wooden slats from the home on the ground with other debris. The blast took place around the same time heavy rainfall hit the northeast.

Heavy rains during the evening brought flooding, road closures and power outages throughout New Jersey, which is under a state of emergency.

The heaviest rainfall and the most widespread thunderstorms are expected to develop from Northern Virginia through southern New England in the afternoon. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a “moderate” (Level 3 out of 4) risk for flash flooding in that corridor through Tuesday morning.

Heavy rain on Monday flooded parts of New Jersey, including NJ Turnpike and New Providence, with videos showing streets completely submerged.