Governor Phil Murphy visited Berkeley Heights on Tuesday following a fast-moving storm that caused serious damage across parts of Union and Somerset counties. Speaking alongside local officials and first responders, Murphy described the impact bluntly: “We got crushed.”

He confirmed that two people died during the storm, including someone in a vehicle that was swept away. Some injuries were reported across the region, but none appeared to be serious.

Murphy said this wasn’t a power outage event. Fewer than 3,000 customers lost power across the entire state, and most towns — including Berkeley Heights — were spared blackouts.

He mentioned a home explosion in North Plainfield that’s still under investigation but said no one was hurt.

The governor pointed to a clear trend: more storms, hitting harder. In this case, more than six inches of rain fell in under two and a half hours. He said the first wave knocked people off balance, and the second wave did the real damage.

State officials, led by emergency management director Dan Kelly, are now working with local governments to assess the damage. It’s still too early to know if the state qualifies for federal disaster aid, but Murphy said the White House has already reached out.

Residents and small business owners are being asked to report any damage through their towns. Depending on the outcome of the damage review, the state may also pursue Small Business Administration relief.

Murphy said the state would be all over the recovery, just as it has been in past storms.

Photo and Video by Helen Gabara

Related:

Videos and Images of 07/14/2025 Storm Throughout Union County

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