Nutley Storm Causes Smashed Cars, Home Damage

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley residents reported a range of damage across town during a recent wind and rain storm, authorities said.

The Nutley Police Department recently released a list of damage done during the storm on May 15. Incidents included: downed wires, smashed cars, damaged home siding, a snapped utility pole and a broken fence.

Check out a list of incidents below.

Gonnelli Street – “Emergency responders arrived to the area during a furious wind and rain storm in regards to tree limbs that fell from a nearby tree causing damage to three vehicles parked in the vicinity. The fallen tree limb caused damage to the front end of the first vehicle and broke the passenger side mirror off the frame. The second vehicle had a fallen tree limb land on the roof causing it to collapse and break the back windshield. The third vehicle had a tree limb fall on the roof and front end of the car and causing the front windshield to crack. Insurance information was gathered for all three vehicles and everyone was advised on how to obtain a copy of the reports for their records.”

Highfield Lane – “Nutley Fire and Police responded to the area regarding a large tree limb that fell on the front property of a residence, and a parked vehicle in the roadway. The limb also pulled multiple utility wires on the ground, parked vehicle, and the roadway. The wires were found to be live and the area was taped off due to it being unsafe. An officer was posted to the scene for traffic control. The residents were advised of the situation and advised to remain in their homes for safety precautions. The homeowner and vehicle owner were advised of how to obtain a copy of the report for their records. No further action.”

Brookfield Avenue – “A tree limb fell in the area causing damage to the front end of the homeowner’s Honda, gutter, and several pavers located on the front lawn. The victim was advised to contact their homeowner’s insurance and their responsibility for the removal of the limb.”

North Road – “Nutley Fire and Police responded to the home and observed a large limb that had fractured off a tree causing numerous wires to be removed from the home and falling onto the property and roadway. The wires were live and unable to be moved until PSE&G responded. The siding of the residence was damaged and the electric was off. The neighbor’s home experienced some damage to their siding and the electrical service box was ripped slightly off the siding. Their power was never lost. The area was taped off for safety purposes and an officer was assigned to monitor the traffic. Both parties were advised of how to obtain a copy of the report for their records.”

Stanley Avenue – “A fallen tree from Alexander Avenue caused damage to the fencing of two neighboring properties. Estimated damage was approximately $500 for one party and $5,000 for the other. Both victims filed a report for documentation purposes. Nothing further.”

High Street – “Two homes suffered external damage from a backyard neighboring tree that fell during the severe thunderstorm. The tree fell through the fence, crushed two cars, a section of fence and a lawnmower. Officers observed the tree had destroyed two sections of fence before it came to rest on top of the two vehicles. The second home received damage to their fence, moved their shed, and destroyed an ornamental tree. Due to the severity of the storm contact could not be made with the backyard neighbor. No further information at this time.”

Passaic Avenue – “While traveling south on Passaic Avenue during the severe weather, a large tree limb struck the vehicle causing damage to the roof, windshield and hood. The tree appeared to be township-owned.”

New Street – “Response was made with Nutley Fire and Officers on a report of a tree down. Upon arrival they observed a large tree which fell from the curb line onto the top of the home. The tree also took down multiple power lines and snapped the utility pole at the corner of New St. and Speer Pl. causing power outages. Contact was able to be made with the homeowner who was advised to shelter in place while FD and Police evaluated the scene. The home was deemed structurally sound by Nutley FD and the residents were advised to stay inside or make arrangements to stay with family until power was restored. The entire area was cordoned off and officers remained on scene until PSE&G arrived on scene and began restoration procedures.”

North Spring Garden – “Response was made to the location where the property owner stated a tree limb from across the street struck their house causing visible damage to a section of rain gutter and their stockade fence. The tree came across School Lane and appears to be a town of Nutley tree. No further information at this time.”

Beech Street – “The resident stated that during a severe thunderstorm with heavy wind a large tree from the neighboring property fell into their driveway causing damage to three vehicles. The owner of the neighboring property was on scene and fully aware of the situation. Vehicle 1 suffered extensive damage to the roof and front portion of the vehicle. Car #2’s roof and rear of vehicle were damaged extensively, and auto 3 suffered minor damage. The caller is the registered owner of all of the aforementioned vehicles, and was in the process of making notification to their insurance company, and was advised of how to acquire a copy of the report.”

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