Powerful storms that tore through New Jersey Thursday evening resulted in fatalities, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.

“I have been briefed on the severe thunderstorm and heavy winds that hit Central Jersey this evening and resulted in fatalities. The towns of Plainfield, North Plainfield, Bound Brook, and Dunellen sustained damage, among others,” Murphy wrote. “If you’re in the area, please stay inside and avoid any downed trees, power lines, or burning transformers.”

It was not immediately clear where in central New Jersey these fatalities occurred.

Severe thunderstorms caused heavy damage across parts of the state. Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp declared a state of emergency for the city due to the amount of damage caused by the storm. Fallen trees were reported throughout the city.

“This state of emergency shall remain in effect until further notice,” Mapp wrote in a letter to residents.

New Jersey Transit’s Raritan Valley Line service was suspended in both directions between Plainfield and Bound Brook due to trees across the tracks. NJ Transit was providing bus service while repairs were made.

Nearly 45,000 utility customers were without power at the height of the storm. PSE&G reported nearly 34,000 customers without power, while JCP&L reported just under 10,000.