A state of emergency was declared in Plainfield, New Jersey, and the city urged residents to remain indoors and stay off the roads.

With the Fourth of July and the annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race making for a jam-packed few days ahead, Chicagoans can expect a hot — and potentially stormy — holiday weekend.

Fourth of July barbecues, beach days and boating trips can go on as planned this holiday weekend as the forecast calls for ideal weather for all outdoor activities. After parts of the state got thunderstorms Thursday night, Massachusetts residents can expect sunny and less humid weather on Friday.