Cedar Grove School Recovering From Storm, 16 Classes Damaged

CEDAR GROVE, NJ — An elementary school in Cedar Grove continues to deal with storm damage from last weekend’s deluge, which dumped several inches of rain on Essex County and caused Gov. Phil Murphy to issue a state of emergency.

The storm on Aug. 11 wrought havoc throughout Cedar Grove and Verona, where an “extreme” amount of rain created impassable roads and severe flooding. Although there were no serious injuries reported in the chaos, Cedar Grove police and fire personnel reported rescuing several individuals trapped in vehicles on flooded roadways. Emergency responders also answered many calls for assistance from residents with flooded basements to turn off the gas and electricity service, authorities said.

• See related article: Verona, Cedar Grove Storm Cleanup Continues After 'Extreme' Rain

At South End Elementary School in Cedar Grove, the storm also took a toll, causing serious water damage to 16 classrooms and eight storage areas, administrators said.

Superintendent Michael Fetherman reported on Tuesday that a crew has cleaned up all standing water, removed carpeting and has dehumidifiers and dryers in place.

“We are stronger than the storm,” he wrote.

On Wednesday, Principal Lynn Dimatteo sent the following update to the school community:

“I hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer day. I wanted to reach out to sincerely thank you all for your support since South End was affected by Saturday's storm. So many of you have reached out to me or to our FSA to express concern and to ask what you could do to help. Once again I am overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. The progress that has been made in just 3 short days by the Paul Davis team is unbelievable. We are in good hands. The cleanup is moving at a steady pace, and it is so good to see South End returning to the school we all know and love.

“Many of you have asked what you can do to help our teachers. Right now, as rooms are cleaned, the teachers are just beginning to assess what materials have been damaged. As soon as this process is complete and we have a better handle on what may be needed, we will reach out for your assistance. Please know that your support and patience is greatly appreciated.

“Updates will continue to be made available to you as the cleanup continues. Please do visit Mr. Fetherman's Cedar Grove Superintendent Facebook page for updated pictures of South End. I look forward to a bright, sunny opening day with no sign of rain on September 5th. Once again, my sincerest thanks for your support. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.”

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OTHER STORM DAMAGE IN VERONA-CEDAR GROVE

West Essex Now reported that several instances of flooding and damage took place throughout Verona and Cedar Grove last weekend:

• Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
• West Lindsley Road, Cedar Grove
• Claremont Avenue, Verona
• Personette and Grove Avenues, Verona

MyVeronaNJ posted this video taken on Sunset Avenue in Verona.

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Photo: Cedar Grove Superintendent Office