The National Weather Service has issued a weather alert for Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex and Union counties in New Jersey, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph. The alert was issued at 9:10 p.m. and is expected to affect residents of those affected by wind gusting up to 60 mph. Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, mostly during the summer, killing about 20 people per year. To protect against lightning, consider a lightning safety plan and avoiding dangerous outdoor activities. Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, and avoid tall, isolated trees. Advise against camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm, but do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items.