850 Westfield Homes Still Without Power As Storm Cleanup Continues

WESTFIELD, NJ — About 850 Westfield households remained without electricity Sunday as crews continued cleaning up damage from Friday night's powerful storm and prepared for another round of potentially severe weather.

Mayor Jeremy Berman said power has already been restored to several key locations, including Memorial Pool, Fire House 2 and the town's senior housing complex. The town remains in contact with PSE&G as work continues to restore service to the remaining customers.

Storm cleanup is also ramping up across town. Public Works crews are scheduled to begin townwide curbside pickup of storm debris on Monday, following the township's regular leaf collection zones. Officials said crews will begin simultaneously in Zone 1 on the north side of town and Zone 6 on the south side, with street sweepers working alongside debris collection crews.

Residents can also bring tree branches, limbs and other storm debris to the Conservation Center, where proof of Westfield residency is required.

Several roads remained closed Sunday because of fallen trees and downed utility wires, including portions of Wychwood Road, East Broad Street, Springfield Avenue, North Chestnut Street, Mountain Avenue, Elm Street, Prospect Street, Lamberts Mill Road and several other locations throughout town.

According to Berman, police, fire and Public Works crews continue responding across Westfield, though many cleanup efforts cannot begin until PSE&G de-energizes damaged power lines so crews can work safely.

Cleanup in town parks will begin after street-related emergencies have been addressed. In the meantime, officials are asking residents using parks to use caution around fallen trees and limbs.

With additional storms forecast, officials are urging residents to secure outdoor furniture and other loose items and to call 911 if they encounter downed power lines or other emergencies.

The town said it will continue providing updates as power restoration and cleanup efforts move forward