FORDS - Governor Mikie Sherrill and her department heads this afternoon urged New Jerseyans to be mindful - and situationally aware - of ongoing severe weather patterns - including extreme heat and fast, and thunderstorms - pounding the state.

AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT TODAY UNTIL 9 P.M.

Governor Sherrill encourages New Jerseyans to take the proper precautions as extreme heat impacts our state:

Stay cool, stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. We also encourage everyone to check in on neighbors, older adults, people with disabilities, those with chronic medical conditions, and anyone who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat. 

Nineteen New Jerseyans are suspected to have died of heat-related incidents in this week's weather scourge - 90-100 degrees today with a 110-degree heat index.

Appearing here at the Statewide Traffic Management Center (STMC), the Governor said in the aftermath of last night's storms that utility companies have restored power to 135K people, while an additional 165K homes and business remain without power.

NJ Transit sustained damage, impacting the Morris and Essex transit lines, and the Jersey coastline.

Sherrill said the state is prepared for more thunderstorms and flash flooding tonight and tomorrow. She said the state expects the most severe weather tomorrow in South Jersey.

"Extreme heat is the number one killer in America and this is the hottest stretch we've seen in 14 years,' said the Governor. It's impacting people of all ages, she added, with emergency room visit spikes for the young and middle aged.

"My team is in touch with over 400 municipalities," Sherrill said. "Extreme weather doesn't take days off for holidays - but neither do our state workers."

The Governor started her press conference today by wishing everyone a Happy Fourth of July on America's 250th birthday.

Joining her with department updates on the weather:

NJ Transit Head Kris Kolluri ("We run 12 train lines, eight are currently working. By some time this afternoon... the coastline train will be back in service.") In addition, crews are prepared for tomorrow afternoon's FIFA game. "The weather tonight could get really challenging. ...We want to make sure the public is safe and our employees are safe."

Board of Public Utilities Director Frank Graffney (Restoration efforts continue - ensuring deployment of all available resources. Utility crews are working round the clock. ...Stay far away from downed power lines.")

Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain ("Looking ahead, we remain prepared for any additional weather events.")

Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police Jeanne Hengemuhle ("We need to pay attention - pay attention to our older adults. Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.")

NJ Health Commissioner Raynard Washington ("We started to see heat related deaths as early as Thursday of this week. We are now up to 19.")

Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, Deputy Super of the New Jersey State Police

If you've lost power, please report your outage to your utility company as soon as possible. Stay away from downed power lines and follow guidance from local officials as crews work to safely restore service. Drink water. At the beach, make sure a lifeguard is on duty. Listen for updates on the phone. Keep devices charge.

For more information, go to: Heat Safety and Resources