UPDATE TUESDAY MORNING: Follow live N.J. power outage tracker: 240K remain in dark after violent storms

A blistering heat wave gave way to powerful thunderstorms Monday that left hundreds of thousands of people without power across New Jersey.

Communities around the region were hit with downed trees and power outages. More than 300,000 customers were reported to be without electricity among the state’s four main utility companies as of around 8:20 p.m.

Few areas were left unscathed by the severe weather. Towns spanning from Ocean, Middlesex, Mercer, Union, Camden, Burlington, Bergen and Monmouth counties were among areas with reports of flooded roadways, downed trees and other storm damage.

More than 45 percent of Monmouth County lost power, according to Sheriff Shaun Golden, who reported roads blocked and trees down in several towns.

Howell police said 18,000 residents and businesses were without power, impacting nearly the entire town. Photos showed a large tree uprooted and down into a house.

“Roadways are closed. Trees are blocking lanes of travel. Utility lines are down. And there are multiple trees down into residents and vehicles. This is no time to be on roadways without a justifiable reason,” the police department said in a statement.

STORM UPDATE 18,000 residences/businesses are without power affecting nearly the entire township. Traffic lights are... Posted by Howell Township Police Department on Monday, July 22, 2019

“The Township is in bad shape. DO NOT expect power to be restored for an extended period of time. This may be multiple days. Help out each other," Howell police posted on Facebook.

In Neptune, police said utility poles were down throughout the township.

“Much of the town doesn't have power at this time. STAY OFF THE ROADS,” the department posted on Twitter.

Neptune’s Special Operations Technical Rescue Team shared photos of trees that crashed down into homes, causing major damage. There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

07/22/2019: Neptune Special Operations Rescue Team responded to and handled multiple incidents involving structures... Posted by Neptune Township Special Operations Rescue on Monday, July 22, 2019

At Monmouth University’s campus in West Long Branch, one person was hurt from a “tree-related incident during the storm,” university spokeswoman Morganne Dudzinski said. The person was reported to be alert and conscious, and taken to an area hospital.

Several downed trees were reported on the Garden State Parkway between Exit 105 and Exit 116.

Power lines, trees, and utility poles are down throughout Neptune Township. Much of the town doesn't have power at this time. STAY OFF THE ROADS.#NeptuneTraffic #NeptuneWeather #NeptuneNews — Neptune Township PD (@NeptunePolice) July 22, 2019

In Oakland, residents shared photos of large hail from the strong storms Monday evening.

Hail associated with a severe storm in Oakland, NJ around 4:00 PM. Radar screenshot was taken just before the hail began at my location indicated by the blue circle. Largest hail I've ever seen! @NWSNewYorkNY @NWS_MountHolly @StormTeam4NY @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/xQpPG4mMVd — Abigail McCarthy (@abbymccarthywx) July 22, 2019

Video showed major flooding on residential streets in areas of Rahway and Edison.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office urged people to stay off roads as emergency crews responded to reports of damage. Areas of northern and western Ocean County were left with widespread power outages.

“This storm packed a wallop. We were hit hard. There are multiple wires down calls. There are multiple tree down calls,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Do not travel unless you have to,” the agency said. “Let the responders do their jobs.”

. @CecilyTynan storm that came through Vincentown, NJ took down a number of trees. pic.twitter.com/UAILkjbwqp — Phillybits (@philly_bits) July 22, 2019

Jersey Central Power & Light spokesman Cliff Cole said the company’s crews were assessing damage around 8 p.m.

About 230,000 JCP&L customers were without service as of late Monday, according to the company. Wind speeds were reported at 76 mph in Burlington County, 73 mph in Ocean County and widespread 60 to 70 mph winds in Monmouth County.

“The damage is significant. Tonight our crews are focused 100% on safety. This includes clearing hazards and making areas safe,” JCP&L said. “We will be continuing our damage assessment process and will share estimated restoration times as soon as we have them. Additional crews will be assisting with restoration efforts.”

The band of destructive weather also caused delays on commuter rail lines around the state. NJ Transit’s Princeton Dinky was suspended due to downed trees in overhead wires, according to an alert on the agency’s website. Bus service was being provided. Service on NJ Transit’s River Line was also partially suspended Monday night because of fallen trees.

The River Line is restored in both directions between Rt 73 and Pennsauken TC. Service remains suspended between Roebling and Cass St. due to downed trees. Substitute bus service is in place. — NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) July 22, 2019

No PATCO trains were running between Woodcrest and Lindenwold, also because of downed trees, according to the transit agency’s Twitter account.

⚠️SERVICE UPDATE: Trains are running between 15/16th & Woodcrest only. Due to downed wires on the trains east of Woodcrest, trains are not running between Woodcrest & Lindenwold. No ETA when full service will be restored. pic.twitter.com/JBwx0HoV6j — PATCO (@RidePATCO) July 22, 2019

Earlier on Monday evening, much of the state was under a severe thunderstorm warning, a flash flood warning or a flood advisory.

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Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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