At least 19 suspected heat-related deaths have been reported in New Jersey over the July 4 holiday weekend following a heat wave that swept across parts of the central and eastern United States.
New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington told reporters on July 4 that suspected heat-related fatalities began occurring as early as Thursday, with most reported in the central and northern areas of the state.
Many of those suspected of dying from heat-related causes were found in homes without air conditioning, the state health commissioner said.
“A few were outside their residences, some on the street, and some even in parked cars,” Washington said, noting that the fatalities involved elderly people and young adults.
“It’s also important to note that these are just suspected and are being investigated. These numbers won’t be final until after medical examiners have had a chance to complete their investigations.”
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said at the press briefing that temperatures across the state reached 90 to 100 degrees on July 4, with the heat index nearing 110 degrees due to the humidity.
The governor described the hot weather as “the hottest stretch we’ve seen in over 14 years.”
“The heat’s hitting all of us, not just seniors, not just those with underlying health conditions, people of all ages,” she said at a press briefing.
While the heat wave began to ease in New Jersey on July 5, hot and humid conditions were expected to persist. Sherrill said that showers and thunderstorms could occur through July 6.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning on X of considerable flooding impacts across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Sunday through Monday.
“Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to impact the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast today and Monday,” it said. “Very high levels of atmospheric moisture will support heavy rainfall rates that could result in locally significant flash flooding.”
Central and northern New Jersey remain under a flood watch, as rainfall rates are expected to exceed 2 inches per hour in those areas, according to the governor.
“Some storms may bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and damaging wind gusts. Localized flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas,” Sherrill said in a post on X.
“Never drive through flooded roadways, and head indoors if you hear thunder. Stay informed, stay cool, and stay hydrated. Limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day.”
Flash flood warnings and flood watches were in effect across New York on July 5. The state division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services warned that storms capable of producing torrential rain were moving into the Mid-Hudson region, which could trigger flash flooding in southeastern New York.
More than 95,000 households were left without power on July 5 due to the storms, primarily concentrated in the Mid-Hudson and Long Island regions, according to the division.
“Last night’s storms brought down trees and knocked out power across parts of the Hudson Valley and Long Island,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an update on X.
“We’re tracking an estimated 82,000 outages statewide and working with utility companies to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.”
The NWS added in an overnight update that heat advisories were in force through to the evening of July 6 for parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
