Heavy overnight thunderstorms in the Northeast and Central Texas left at least a dozen people dead and caused widespread damage ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, authorities said.
In the Texas Hill Country west of Austin, at least 13 people were killed and 20 girls were missing from a Christian summer camp after severe storms pushed the Guadalupe River out of its banks. Search and rescue efforts were continuing, Texas authorities said.
Officials with the city of Plainfield, New Jersey, just southwest of New York City, said that Rocco Sansone, 79, of North Plainfield; and Brian Ernesto Valladares, 25, of Plainfield, were killed when a tree fell onto the vehicle they were traveling in at the height of the storm.
“The devastating storm that struck our city has left deep scars, widespread damage, and thousands still without power,” Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said in a statement on Facebook.
At 6 a.m., nearly 44,000 energy customers were in the dark in New York state, along with 24,000 in New Jersey and 23,000 in Massachusetts.
The priority was to “begin the work of rebuilding,” Mapp said.
“In light of this tragedy we cannot, in all good conscience proceed with our Fourth of July parade, concert, or fireworks,” he added.
An additional overnight fatality in nearby North Plainfield, New Jersey, was confirmed by Mayor Lawrence La Ronde, who told WNBC that the city’s West End area is “a mess.” He said the city was working with utility officials to remove down wires and restore power.
Footage posted on social media showed large trees toppled by strong winds in North Plainfield, while another video showed downed power lines in Salt Point, New Jersey. Videos also captured heavy hail falling across the region.
New York City appears to have avoided the worst of the storm, but damage was reported from Connecticut into central New Jersey.
Roughly 39 million people were subject to alerts and warnings for thunderstorms Thursday, putting holiday celebrations and travel plans at risk.
By Friday morning, the number affected had dropped to 11.5 million, according to the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center.
Fireworks displays may be affected by storms or rain after dusk in these areas.
Fourth of July celebrations were already canceled on Anna Maria Island in southwest Florida due to the risk of storms and flooding, while a celebration in nearby North Port, Florida, was postponed.
