Verona, Cedar Grove, Fairfield: Storm Downs Power Lines (UPDATED)
VERONA, NJ — UPDATED: As New Jersey residents reel from a heavy storm on Tuesday, multiple public safety agencies in Essex County are advising residents to beware of downed power lines. Verona wasn’t spared; felled tree limbs and power lines were reported across the township, officials said.
A severe thunderstorm warning was declared for eight counties in the state until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, including Essex. Forecasters with the National Weather Service warned about flash flooding, strong winds and large hail.
According to poweroutage.us, 3,220 out of 337,962 PSE&G customers in Essex County were still without power as of Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday, Verona and Cedar Grove officials released the following advisories:
Verona – “Numerous trees and unattended power lines are down. Please STAY AWAY from all downed wires. VPD are unable to stay with every wire due to call volume and amount of downed lines… Due to the large amount wires that are down and dangerous, the Verona Police Department is recommending children are driven to school tomorrow. We do not believe all situations will be addressed and made safe by the morning. (Please help one another and carpool kids if necessary!)
Cedar Grove – “A few areas in the Township are experiencing local power outages due to tonight’s severe storms. Please note, there is no through traffic on Sherman, Lakewood and Center Avenues due to trees and wires down. PSE&G is aware of the outages and are currently in town working to restore power as soon as possible. Stay clear of wires and downed trees. Thank for your patience. If you need assistance, please contact the police department at 973-239-4100 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. Thank you and stay safe.”
As of Tuesday, the following agencies had also issued releases about the storm:
- Caldwell Police Department – “Please stay in your homes and do not touch any downed wires as they may be live. PSE&G has been contacted and is on their way to make repairs. Please do not go around any barricades, police tape, or traffic cones as they are in place for your safety. Thank you and stay safe.”
- Fairfield Township – “Due to the latest storm there are multiple areas throughout the Township of Fairfield and surrounding municipalities with downed wires (electrical, cable, phone). Residents are urged not to approach any down wires because they maybe live. Immediately contact the Fairfield Police Department at 973-227-1400 or dial 9-1-1. Thank you for your assistance and please be safe.”
- Glen Ridge – “Multiple power outages in town, PSE&G notified. Trees down as well. Anyone who requires assistance or special needs contact GRPD.”
- Maplewood Police Department – “Road closure on Rutgers St between Newark Way and Burnett Ave. Tree and power line down. Due to wires down in the roadway, Rutgers Street is closed from Burnett Ave to Newark Way.”
