UPDATE: PSE&G Reports Between 500-2,000 Still Without Power In Cranford

Although much of the snow from Saturday's unusual snowstorm has started to melt, Cranford is still dealing with a host of problems ranging from power outages to road closures.

According to PSE&G, it could take the utility company a few days to resore power to the thousands who were without electricity as a result of the storm. The company expects to have power restored to 95 percent of New Jersey customers by midnight on Wednesday. At least 19 streets in the township were still without power Monday morning. The Cranford Community Center is open for residents without power and heat. Residents should bring their own food, blankets, pillows, etc. to the center with them. Since Lincoln Avenue remains closed due to debris, residents should use the Walnut Avenue entrance.

Throughout Cranford, PSE&G continues working to remove wires that fell under the weight of the heavy, wet snow that blanketed the region this past weekend. A total of 231 wires were reported down after the storm. Downtown Management Office Director Kathleen Miller Prunty said the Cranford Fire Department is working to remove non-electric power wires that have fallen since Saturday.

Many local streets remain closed because of downed wires and trees, local officials said, adding that the streets will reopen after PSE&G clears or repairs wires, and transformers and trees are removed. Crews from the Department of Public Works are still working to cut and reove trees from the roadways and other areas of town. Residents who remove large tre limbs and branches can bring them to the Conservation Center on Orange Avenue from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

According to Cranford Police Lt. James Wozniak, the tree damage from the weekend storm was "far worse that it was during Hurricane Irene." Local police reported that more than 100 trees fell as a result of the storm, not including tree limbs and branches. Several trees and large limbs also fell on vehicles, causing damage, Wozniak said.

Mayor Daniel Aschenbach said hat since the storm hit, "DPW and public safety departments have been working around the clock to remove branches and ensure citizen safety."

"Residents are urged to remain cautious as children participate in Halloween activities," Aschenbach said. "We are in constant contact with PSE&G to get power restored as soon as possible."

Although municipal officers were open today, residents should note that the Board of Education meeting scheduled for tonight at 8 p.m. has been cancelled and rescheduled for Nov. 7 at 8 p.m.

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