Gov. Murphy responds after deadly New Jersey storm kills 3, causing significant damage and outages across Plainfield and nearby towns.

Severe storms in New Jersey have resulted in "fatalities," Gov. Phil Murphy confirmed in a statement on social media.

Forecasters say some of today's thunderstorms may pack a big punch, with winds strong enough to damage trees and power lines.

Potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to lash the New York City metro area later Thursday, bringing the threat of damaging straight-line wind and hail as we kick off one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Update 4:45 p.m. — A severe thunderstorm warning is issued for Southern Berkshire County with strong wind gusts to 60 mph and quarter-size hail. This storm should push through the Berkshires until 5:30 p.m.

Severe storm threat increasing across New England

A Total Weather Alert has been issued for Thursday afternoon due to severe thunderstorms expected to develop. Some of these storms could be severe, with damaging gusty winds that may exceed 56 mph. A cold front approaching from the north and west will trigger these storms anytime from lunchtime through the dinner hours.