East Brunswick Cancels July 4th Celebration Amid Severe Storm Threat

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The Township of East Brunswick has canceled its Independence Day Celebration, originally scheduled for Saturday at the Community Arts Center, citing the threat of severe thunderstorms with lightning, damaging winds and heavy rainfall.

The joint statement was issued by Mayor Brad Cohen, Director of Recreation & Parks Michael Reissner, Chief of Police Frank LoSacco, OEM Coordinator John Kosik and Business Administrator Joseph Criscuolo.

The forecast mirrors the powerful storms that struck the township Friday evening, causing widespread damage.

"This was not an easy decision. We understand how much our residents look forward to celebrating Independence Day together as a community," township officials said in a joint statement. "However, the combination of the ongoing extreme heat and the high likelihood of severe thunderstorms is not something we are willing to gamble with. The safety of our residents, visitors, event staff, volunteers, and first responders must always come first."

Officials are working to identify and announce an alternate date for the celebration. The previously scheduled rain date of Sunday was also ruled out, as similar thunderstorm activity is expected that day as well.

Township officials thanked the employees, volunteers, public safety personnel and community partners who spent months planning the event, including members of the Recreation & Parks Department, Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Works, fire districts, EMS agencies and other township employees.

Crews continue to respond to damage from Friday night's storms, with downed trees and power lines reported in several areas of the township and some residents still without power. Officials said they remain in close contact with utility companies as restoration work continues.

A heat warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable family members. The East Brunswick Police Department lobby is open as a cooling center for residents seeking relief from the heat or a place to charge mobile devices.

Updates on a rescheduled Independence Day celebration will be announced as they become available.

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