Bloomfield Storm Update: 1 Resident Dead As Town Reels From Ida

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Public safety officials had warned that things could get dangerous as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida passed through New Jersey. And on Wednesday night, weather forecasters’ predictions sadly proved correct – including in Bloomfield, where a resident died amid the storm, officials said.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency across New Jersey Wednesday night as Tropical Storm Ida wreaked havoc, spawning powerful tornadoes and significant flash flooding from south to north. Read More: 1 Dead As Flooding Traps Drivers, Tornadoes Devastate New Jersey

“Sadly, we lost one resident as a result of the storm and our condolences are with their family,” Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said.

No additional information about the death was immediately available. >> Subscribe to Patch for local storm updates here.

The storm took down wires and caused power outages across the state, including Bloomfield. As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, there were still 1,409 PSE&G customers in Bloomfield without power and 14 outages, according to the company’s online map.

PSE&G said that “extensive flooding, hazardous conditions and inaccessible roadways” hampered their efforts to get the power flowing again. For example, crews were unable to work in bucket trucks to make repairs in high winds.

“We are working with local first responders to physically get our teams to the hardest hit areas as safely and quickly as possible,” spokespeople said Thursday morning.

• See related article: Bloomfield Streets Flood After Storm Hits; 'Stay Home,' Cops Say

Meanwhile, cleanup efforts continue in Bloomfield, town officials announced on Thursday.

"The township is currently in the process of clearing streets of debris and assessing damage," municipal officials stated. "Last night’s storm dropped an unprecedented amount of rain causing flooding, power outages and road closures. There are sporadic road closures throughout town due to debris and/or abandoned vehicles. Police are actively monitoring these situations."

The Bloomfield Fire Department has been helping residents pump their basements out and will continue to do so, officials said.

"About 200 residents have reported basement flooding and are requesting to be pumped out, so please be patient with the public safety team," officials said.

If you are a Bloomfield resident in need of assistance call:

• Police (non-emergency) -973-680-4141
• DPW - 973-680-4127
• PSE&G - 1-800-436-7734

“I have spent time this morning touring our township to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Ida last night,” Venezia said. “There was extensive flooding throughout the township that affected many families and businesses. If you do not need to leave your home, please stay indoors as it is unsafe to drive at this time.”

The Bloomfield Center Alliance reported that multiple businesses in town were closed due to storm damage.

Other local institutions in Bloomfield reported storm damage on social media, as well.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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