Fatal storms hit Northeast, South Texas ahead of Fourth of July weekend celebrations

Heavy thunderstorms killed several people and caused widespread damage in New Jersey overnight ahead of the holiday weekend, authorities said, as storms walloped the Northeast.

Heavy overnight thunderstorms in the Northeast and South Texas left several people dead and caused widespread damage ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, authorities said, as storms walloped the region and left more than 100,000 customers without power in the New York City area.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday the storm resulted in several fatalities. North Plainfield Mayor Lawrence La Ronde told WABC one victim was struck by a tree that also took down electrical wires while sitting in her car.

Clouds pass over the skyline of lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center as the sun sets following a storm in New York City on Thursday, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey.Gary Hershorn / Getty ImagesFootage 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.

"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.

The priority was to “begin the work of rebuilding,” he said.