Thunderstorm Causes Damage, Outages in Plainfield as City Cancels Saturday's Parade

A serious thunderstorm struck Plainfield on Friday, July 3, causing widespread damage including downed trees, power outages, and hazardous conditions across the city. The storm brought wind gusts as high as 80 miles per hour and generated 40 to 60 emergency calls in the immediate aftermath.

The storm began around 7:40 p.m. and concentrated most damage on Plainfield's East End, with a large portion of the city between South Avenue and East 7th, between Franklin Avenue and Terrill Road, experiencing power outages. Emergency radio transmissions reported that someone was stuck in an elevator at 875 South Avenue for between 45 minutes and one hour.

Union County Life is reporting on this major storm event. Many homes remained without power following the storm, and a large amount of trees and debris blocked roadways, sidewalks, and public areas throughout the city.

The City of Plainfield issued a statement: "Many homes remain without power, and a large amount of trees and debris still need to be cleared from roadways, sidewalks, and public areas. Public Safety and Department of Public Works personnel are currently deployed and will continue working through the storm's aftermath, including cleanup and response efforts."

Out of an abundance of caution and to allow city personnel to focus on public safety and storm recovery operations, the Fourth of July Parade scheduled for Saturday, July 4, was cancelled. However, the city confirmed that the concert at Cedar Brook Park will begin at 5 p.m. and fireworks will start at 9 p.m. as originally scheduled.

The city stated: "We thank residents for their patience, cooperation, and understanding as crews work to restore safety and normal operations throughout Plainfield."

No serious injuries were reported resulting from this storm. This contrasts with a severe storm that struck Plainfield on July 3 of the previous year, which claimed two lives.

For more information about Plainfield emergency services and storm recovery, stay informed on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When did the Plainfield thunderstorm occur?
A: The storm struck Plainfield on Friday, July 3, 2026, beginning around 7:40 p.m.

Q: How strong were the winds?
A: Wind gusts reached as high as 80 miles per hour during the storm.

Q: How many emergency calls resulted from the storm?
A: In the immediate aftermath of the storm, there were 40 to 60 emergency calls.

Q: What areas of Plainfield were hardest hit?
A: Most damage centered on Plainfield's East End, with significant impact in the area between South Avenue and East 7th, between Franklin Avenue and Terrill Road.

Q: Was the Fourth of July Parade cancelled?
A: Yes. The Fourth of July Parade scheduled for Saturday, July 4, was cancelled to allow city personnel to focus on public safety and storm recovery operations.

Q: Will the Fourth of July concert and fireworks still happen?
A: Yes. The concert at Cedar Brook Park will begin at 5 p.m., and fireworks will start at 9 p.m., as originally scheduled.

Q: Were there serious injuries from the storm?
A: No serious injuries were reported. This contrasts with a severe July 3 storm the previous year that claimed two lives.

Q: What happened at 875 South Avenue?
A: Someone was stuck in an elevator for between 45 minutes and one hour during the storm.