Pockets of Verona, Cedar Grove Lose Power

Verona and Cedar Grove Police are reporting power lines are snapping and trees limbs are breaking as Hurricane Sandy slams into New Jersey.

“Transformers are going out throughout the town and power is going out in pockets,” said Cedar Grove Mayor Peter Tanella shortly after 9 p.m. Monday. “Our first responders are going throughout the neighborhoods to attend to downed wires.”

Tanella said he had power on and off at his house before it shut off for good around 9 p.m., he said.

As the wind increases power outages are expected and residents are urged to stay inside and be safe, Tanella added.

“Power outages are pretty widespread,” said Verona Police Chief Douglas Huber. “The most intense seems to be the Forest Avenue area.”

In addition, several transformers have malfunctioned and power lines have snapped leading to more power outages and unsafe road conditions. Several township roads have been closed down because of the power lines including Morningside Road, Hillside Avenue, Park Avenue and Grove Avenue, said Huber.

“At least seven houses have been damaged and one house on Gould Street had the roof partially blown off,” said Verona Deputy Mayor Bob Manley. “So far no one has been hurt.”

“We are as prepared as we could possibly be,” he added. “Our guys are diligent and really step up when they need to. They go well above and beyond.”

Just before 9 p.m. Facebookers began pouring in comments on Verona-Cedar Grove Patch reporting power outages in both towns. Posters said streets without power include Grove Avenue, Brentwood Drive, Prospect Street, Oakwood Lane, Linden Avenue and several others.

The wires and trees make for hazardous road conditions and police urge residents to stay inside.

Verona Police issued the following message.

Numerous power lines and trees down across roads throughout the Township. Please stay indoors. If you must go out, use extreme caution.

Cedar Grove Police released the following message:

Please be aware the Storm has taken down multiple trees and power lines causing road closures (including Pompton Avenue) and power outages throughout the Township. We are asking all residents to stay in their homes tonight and tomorrow. We expect it will be several days before PSE&G will be able to make repairs. DO NOT go near or touch any downed wire. Please call the police department at 973-239-4100 if you have an emergency.

Here is a sampling of what people are saying on Facebook:

Amy Lindemann Castillo Power on Linden (knock wood) and we can see the sky lighting up all over toward cedar grove with what we are guessing are transformers blowing?

Alexis Somers Out on Franklin and cops r in front of FN brown

Stacey Endresz Perry Out on Ann. Keep seeing emergency vehicle lights driving by on grove& looks like orange sky towards cedar grove. Transformers?

Colleen Brennan Hirst Out on Chestnut Court since 8:30. Sky is glowing orange towards Little Falls.

Liz Ciccone Stambaugh Stevens avenue has been out since 2:30!!!!

Irina Sagalov Carroll Myrtle and Pompton Ave went out about 9

Read more posts on the Verona-Cedar Grove Patch Facebook page.