Utility crews and tree services are busy in central New Jersey after a series of severe storms moved through the region.
Forecasters believe a supercell storm packing wind gusts as high as 65 mph pounded Freehold and Freehold Township on Saturday night.
"It was just like the scene from 'The Wizard of Oz,' when the houses picked up and started circling," said Freehold borough resident Martin Cordero.
Jersey Central Power & Light says 1,614 customers remained without power Monday night. Most of them are in the Freehold area, and officials say most of them should have their service back by midnight Monday.
In fact, as NBC 4 New York spoke to Cordero in his darkened home late Monday night, the lights suddenly switched on.
"And we have power!" exclaimed Cordero.
He laughed, "Channel 4 news, you guys came in, we got power. Look at that."
Still, power lines are still down and fallen trees also are blocking many roads. Freehold's mayor has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew.
"This is very bad," said a utility crew worker working in Freehold. "I feel sorry for anyone here."
The storms damaged several tents and the grounds at the Monmouth County Fair in Freehold Township, forcing officials to cancel the fair's final day of events on Sunday.
Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.
