UPDATE: Transformer On Nautilus Dr. Affected During Storm

Barnegat saw a power outage and flooded streets this afternoon as a fast-moving thunderstorm battered the area

Jersey Central Power and Light reported via its website that between 2,000 and 5,000 customers in Barnegat lost power during the storm. As of 2:25 p.m., power had been restored to at least some of the township.

Lt. Patrick Shaffery of the Barnegat Township Police Department said a transformer was affected on Nautilus Drive, and several limbs and wires were down. Several traffic signals were inoperable for about an hour, Shaffery said, and there were numerous alarm activations in town – not unusual for a power outage.

He said there were no reported injuries or traffic collisions, and the township has checked in with all its special needs citizens. All are fine, he said.

The storm moved into the township from the west just before 1:30 p.m., bringing a heavy downpour and gusty winds.

The as-yet unpaved southbound lane of Route 9 quickly became flooded, and was soon covered with about two inches of flowing water – enough to carry debris along on a current.

The scheduled for tonight at Meadowedge Park has been cancelled.