Storm Update: Essex County Sees Crashes, Outages, Bad Roads

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Complications from the winter storm arrived on Wednesday in Essex County, with several towns reporting issues with treacherous roads, downed power lines and other transportation woes. Forecasters say since the snow is heavy and wet, it could cause widespread power outages, just days after Friday's storm knocked out electricity for thousands across the state.

NJ Transit said it would suspend bus service after 4:30 p.m. Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service Wednesday.

• See related article: NJ Transit Suspends All Buses During Winter Storm

More than half of all flights at Newark Liberty International Airport – about 700 in all - were canceled on Wednesday due to the snowy, stormy conditions. Several airlines were waiving flight-change fees because of the storm, and Delta offered full refunds to those scrapping their trips because of cancelations or significant delays.

• See related article: Flights Canceled At JFK, LaGuardia And Newark As Nor'easter Hits

Several Essex County towns advised motorists to stay put.

In Millburn, town officials reported that as of around 3 p.m., local conditions were rapidly deteriorating.

“Please use extreme caution if you must drive… we encourage all residents to stay off the roads,” Millburn officials wrote. “The township is responding to multiple vehicle accidents and spin outs. For your safety we ask you to not drive in these dangerous conditions.”

One such accident in Millburn took place on NJ 24 eastbound near exit 7, according to NJ511. A single lane of traffic was temporarily shut down as a result of the crash, the New Jersey Department of Transportation stated.

Another car accident took place around 4:42 p.m. on the I-280 eastbound area near exit 8 - CR 577 in West Orange. The right and center lanes were closed as a result, NJ511 stated.

The Glen Ridge Police Department reported at 4:30 p.m. that due to the weather, many local roads were impassable. “Please refrain from driving so that crews may continue to clean the roadways,” the GRPD asked its residents.

Caldwell police reported at 4:28 p.m. that “dangerous road conditions” were continuing to deteriorate. “We urge all our residents to please stay at home and not to brave these hazardous conditions,” authorities said.

In Maplewood, a downed power line forced the closure of Parker Avenue between Prospect Street and Academy Street, town officials reported at 3:48 p.m.

North Jersey Fire News reported that the following incidents also took place in Maplewood:

• A large tree fell on S. Pierson Road
• A tree fell on a car on Burnett Street

A tree and cable fell in Livingston on W. Mt. Pleasant Avenue and blocked the road, North Jersey Fire News reported.

The Livingston Police Department reported that several areas of town lost power.

"There are numerous trees and wires down all over town," the Verona Police Department announced at 6:06 p.m. "Roads are impassable. Stay away from wires! Stay indoors!"

Newark police issued the following advisory at 6:51 p.m.:

"Utility wires and downed trees are making roadways unplowable and impassable. Report downed wires by calling 911. For downed trees and other weather-related non-emergencies, call 4311."

A Montclair resident reported on the Patch Montclair Facebook page:

"Large limbs down on North Mountain between Watchung and Berkeley. No through traffic."

Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers posted the following message to his Twitter page:

“If you see any lost pets outside, in yards, etc., please advise police. They will contact me. We have set up a temp pet rescue ready room to give them shelter until we find owner.”

Know about more storm-related incidents in Essex County? Have a photo that you’d like to share? Reach out and let us know what’s happening. Send local news tips, photos and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: NJDOT (50.8 North of Essex Toll Plaza in Bloomfield, March 7, 2018)