Several Essex County Towns Report Downed Power Lines In Storm

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — As a severe thunderstorm watch takes place across New Jersey on Tuesday, multiple public safety agencies in Essex County are already advising residents to beware of downed power lines.

A severe thunderstorm warning was declared for eight counties in the state until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, including Essex. The storms could bring flash flooding, strong winds and large hail, the National Weather Service said.

• See related article: Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Warnings In New Jersey

As of early Tuesday afternoon, the following agencies had already issued releases about the storm:

• Caldwell Police Department - "Please stay in your homes and do not touch any downed wires as they may be live. PSE&G has been contacted and is on their way to make repairs. Please do not go around any barricades, police tape, or traffic cones as they are in place for your safety. Thank you and stay safe."
• Cedar Grove Township - "A few areas in the Township are experiencing local power outages due to tonight's severe storms. Please note, there is no through traffic on Sherman, Lakewood and Center Avenues due to trees and wires down. PSE&G is aware of the outages and are currently in town working to restore power as soon as possible. Stay clear of wires and downed trees. Thank for your patience. If you need assistance, please contact the police department at 973-239-4100 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.Thank you and stay safe."
• Fairfield Township – “Due to the latest storm there are multiple areas throughout the Township of Fairfield and surrounding municipalities with downed wires (electrical, cable, phone). Residents are urged not to approach any down wires because they maybe live. Immediately contact the Fairfield Police Department at 973-227-1400 or dial 9-1-1. Thank you for your assistance and please be safe.”
• Glen Ridge - "Multiple power outages in town, PSE&G notified. Trees down as well. Anyone who requires assistance or special needs contact GRPD."
• Maplewood Police Department - "Road closure on Rutgers St between Newark Way and Burnett Ave. Tree and power line down. Due to wires down in the roadway, Rutgers Street is closed from Burnett Ave to Newark Way."
• Verona Police Department – “Numerous trees and unattended power lines are down. Please STAY AWAY from all downed wires. VPD are unable to stay with every wire due to call volume and amount of downed lines.”

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