Thousands of Plainfield Residents in the Dark After Severe Thunderstorm Again Causes Damage

A severe thunderstorm struck Plainfield on Friday evening, August 7, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., leaving thousands of residents without power and causing significant damage throughout the city. This is the fourth severe thunderstorm to hit Plainfield in less than three months, following previous storms on May 20, June 6, and July 3, 2026.

Union County Life covers real-time weather and emergency incidents affecting residents across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Damage was reported across multiple areas of Plainfield, including the East End, West End, and downtown. One downed tree crushed an Amazon delivery truck on Hillside Avenue near Watchung Avenue. The driver and passenger in the vehicle were unharmed.

Power outages were severe and widespread. At approximately 6:30 p.m., 5,490 Plainfield PSE&G customers were without power. By 9:30 p.m., the number had been reduced to 4,410—still representing a significant portion of the city experiencing darkness and lack of electrical service.

The City of Plainfield's Office of Emergency Management reported no injuries from the storm but confirmed numerous downed trees and power outages throughout the city. Downed trees and power lines affected multiple locations including West 8th Street near Plainfield Avenue, Central and Randolph, Park Avenue and Hazel Avenue, West Fourth Street at Plainfield Avenue, Kensington Avenue near Watchung Avenue, North Avenue near Netherwood Train Station, and Park Avenue near Park Drive. Flooding was also reported at Cedar Brook Park.

Emergency Response

PSE&G is working to restore power to affected customers. The city's Department of Public Works is responding to remove trees from roadways and clear traffic hazards. Plainfield police and fire personnel are responding to emergency calls related to the storm.

Safety Warnings

Residents are urged to stay away from any downed or exposed power wires and to treat all wires as if they are live and dangerous. Avoid areas marked with barricades or yellow caution tape. Storm-related hazards remain throughout the city, and residents should not approach damaged areas.

If you encounter downed power lines, do not touch them. Call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or call 911 to report hazardous conditions.

Real-time outage information is available through PSE&G's outage map. For road closure and emergency updates, contact the Plainfield Police Department or Plainfield Office of Emergency Management.

Stay informed about Plainfield weather emergencies and public safety on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Is there a power outage in Plainfield?
A: Yes. A severe thunderstorm struck Plainfield on Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., causing widespread power outages. At 6:30 p.m., 5,490 customers were without power; by 9:30 p.m., approximately 4,410 remained without power.

Q: When did the thunderstorm hit Plainfield?
A: The severe thunderstorm struck Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Q: Where is storm damage reported in Plainfield?
A: Damage is reported throughout the city in the East End, West End, and downtown areas, with downed trees and power lines at multiple specific locations including West 8th Street, Central and Randolph, Park Avenue, West 4th Street, Kensington Avenue, North Avenue near Netherwood Train Station, and Cedar Brook Park.

Q: Was anyone injured in the storm?
A: No injuries were reported, according to the City of Plainfield's Office of Emergency Management. One Amazon delivery truck was crushed by a downed tree, but the driver and passenger were unharmed.

Q: What should I do if I see downed power lines?
A: Stay away from downed or exposed power wires. Treat all wires as if they are live and dangerous. Do not touch them. Call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or call 911 to report hazardous conditions.

Q: How can I check if my area has power?
A: Real-time outage information is available through PSE&G's outage map at pse-ng.com or by calling PSE&G's outage line.

Q: Is this the first storm in Plainfield recently?
A: No. This is the fourth severe thunderstorm to hit Plainfield in less than three months, following storms on May 20, June 6, and July 3, 2026.

Q: How can I stay updated on emergency conditions?
A: Contact the Plainfield Police Department or Plainfield Office of Emergency Management for road closure and emergency updates. Follow PSE&G for power restoration progress.