Quick-moving storms cause flooding, downed trees in parts of Camden County, New Jersey

HADDONFIELD, New Jersey (WPVI) -- While residents were celebrating the Fourth of July, heavy rain and whipping winds hovered in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Action News Meteorologists said downbursts were confirmed throughout Burlington and Camden counties. Downbursts are strong downdraft winds from a thunderstorm that crash to the surface and spread out.

"I felt really scared," said Arrow Sullivan. "I thought the tree was going to fall and land on our house."

But the nearly 1.5-hour storm left behind widespread damage.

About two to four inches of rain fell and flooded streets and basements.

"Cars would come down the street and they'd hit this wall of water, and they'd be stranded, said Tom Wellborn. "They'd have to push their cars out."

The nearly 70 miles per hour winds knocked down several power lines and huge trees on Grove Street, Princeton Avenue, Haddonfield High School and beyond.

A tree even landed on a family's home.

"They were inside and safe," said Resendes. "They're okay. They were actually supposed to move in today so at least they're safe. But this was a horrible incident."

"The one thing about this storm was it was very unexpected," said Laura Vaccaro. "As the storm came in, it got increasingly worse."

PSE&G said about 30,000 residents lost power from the storm, and Vaccaro was one of them.

"It was terrible. It was so hot. We couldn't open the fridge or freezer or the cold air would get out and the food would be disgusting," said Sloane Sullivan.

PSE&G said they have been working around the clock and restored power for 98% of customers by mid-day Wednesday. They said the remaining customers should have power by 7 p.m. However, 21 customers need extensive work and should have theirs by midnight.

Meanwhile, many public works crews are busy removing trees and debris.

Neighbors said they're helping out and getting their hands dirty too to clean up their community.

"That's one of the reasons why we love Haddonfield - the tight community and the support people give each other," said Vaccaro.

Haddonfield Police also warn residents of a scam going around. They said a company claims Borough leaders hired them to clean up trees, but that is false. They said to report it to the police.