An approaching cold front helped trigger a few severe thunderstorms across central and southern New Jersey during the afternoon and evening of the 29th.

Lightning in ATLANTIC, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 23:45:00 to 29-JUN-08 23:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: SWEETWATER
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A lightning strike and ensuing fire destroyed the landmark Sweetwater Casino Restuarant in Mullica Township. Lightning struck the restaurant's electrical system. When firefighters arrived, the building was engulfed in flames.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 14:55:00 to 29-JUN-08 14:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIR HAVEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A severe thunderstorm downed a few trees onto the tracks of the New Jersey Transit Commuter Rail line. Service was suspended in both directions until the trees were cleared.

Thunderstorm Wind in CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 23:26:00 to 29-JUN-08 23:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A severe thunderstorm tore down power lines and large tree limbs in Middle Township.

Hail in MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 15:30:00 to 29-JUN-08 15:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: HIGHLAND PARK
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Nickel size hail fell in New Brunswick and penny size hail was reported across the Raritan River in Highland Park.

Thunderstorm Wind in MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 15:35:00 to 29-JUN-08 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MENLO PARK TERRACE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Severe thunderstorms knocked down trees and power lines in East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, Sayreville and Woodbridge. The downed trees closed a roadway in East Brunswick.

Lightning in MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 16:00:00 to 29-JUN-08 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COLTS NECK
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Lightning struck a polo match in Colts Neck Township. Two men and six horses were knocked unconscious. Lightning struck about 30 seconds into the match. An umpire and a player were working near a horse trailer when the bolt hit and tossed them about ten feet. The umpire suffered a broken arm.

Thunderstorm Wind in MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY
From 29-JUN-08 16:00:00 to 29-JUN-08 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DAYTON
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A severe thunderstorm downed numerous trees and power lines in South Brunswick Township. Most of the wind damage occurred around the Monmouth Junction and Dayton sections of the township. Downed trees damaged at least one home in the Woodland Estates section of the township. Downed trees damaged vehicles at the East Garden Apartment Complex. Trees were knocked down around the Crossroads Middle School. Trees were knocked down along County Route 522 (Monmouth Junction Road). Both Major and Georges Roads were closed because of downed trees. About 5,000 homes and businesses lost power from the afternoon severe thunderstorms in the area.