Large Tree Crashes Into Scotch Plains Home Due To Heavy Winds

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A large tree fell on top of a Scotch Plains home while an elderly man was inside on Sunday night, police said.

The tree fell on a home on Portland Avenue around 7:25 p.m. causing severe structural damage, said Scotch Plains Police Captain Jeffrey J. Briel.

An elderly man was home at the time but was not injured, said Briel.

Emergency services arrived along with the building department who said the home was too damaged to live in, said Briel.

All services to the house were disconnected and arrangements were made for the resident, said Briel.

The heavy wind caused damaged across New Jersey with the National Weather Service investigating a possible tornado in Neptune.

"We received many reports of damage, all of which so far are consistent with straight-line winds of mainly 60-70 mph, though some locally higher gusts may have occurred," according to the NWS.

As of 11 a.m. on Monday, 39 PSE&G customers still remain without power. Power is estimated to be restored anytime between noon and 9:45 p.m. on Monday, according to PSE&G.

A wind advisory remains in effect for Scotch Plains through 4 p.m. Monday, according to the NWS.

Winds on Monday will be blowing at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, according to the NWS.

Here is a look at the upcoming forecast for the week:

Monday Night: Clear, with a low around 34. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 63. Light southwest wind becoming south 6 to 11 mph in the morning.

Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 45. South wind 3 to 7 mph.

Wednesday: Rain, mainly after 11 a.m. High near 65. South wind 5 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain. Low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 43.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30.

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