$5.7M In Damage Done By Back-To-Back Storms In Morris County

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Back-to-back nor'easters caused $5.7 million worth of damage across Morris County, the Morris County Office of Emergency Management said in a preliminary damage assessment.

That number is based on data received from municipalities. The first storm caused $1,920,090 worth of damage, while the second one caused $3,785,774 for a total of $5.7 million. Several towns have not yet submitted estimates, so officials expect that number to rise.

“Based on the numbers that have come in, Morris County has exceeded its county threshold to be eligible for federal public assistance,’’ said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We now need the state to take the lead in seeking federal reimbursement to ensure that counties and towns that bore the brunt of [winter storms] Riley and Quinn are reimbursed.’’

In order for the state to receive FEMA assistance it must meet $12.8 million in damages; for New Jersey to reach that total, both storms might have to be counted as one event, county officials said.

State Sen. Anthony Bucco said he has been in touch with state officials, and believed that the Governor's Office would allow a request to combine both storm's total damages.

“We experienced significant ground saturation and wind damage from Winter Storm Riley, causing many trees and electrical utilities to come down during Winter Storm Quinn,’’ said Bucco. “Our municipalities are unable to sustain the significant costs associated with these storms without assistance, and our taxpayers deserve nothing less than help to deal with this natural occurrence. We look forward to getting assistance for our local municipalities and schools.”

Image via Parsippany Police Department