Strong thunderstorms dumped nearly 5 inches of rain across northern Ocean and southern Monmouth counties Friday morning, triggering flooding and thousands of power outages across New Jersey.

At the height of the storm, PSE&G reported 15,652 customers without power, while JCP&L reported 624. Crews have been repairing power lines, and the number of customers without power is now down to 564 for PSE&G and 186 for JCP&L.

Flooding was also creating problems on the roads. As of 5:50 a.m., flooding on Route 42 northbound in Washington Township had closed one of two right lanes and the right shoulder.

Downed wires also closed Colton Road in Edison Township in both directions between Route 27 and Raleigh Road. Drivers were being detoured to Sanders Road.

Millburn Township also reported several road closures Friday.

Drivers are being urged to avoid flooded roads and never attempt to drive through water.