Gov. Phil Murphy declares state of emergency in New Jersey after severe storms sweep through
BLAIRSTOWN, N.J. -- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Sunday afternoon after severe storms swept through the region.
In Warren County, homes were in the dark and could stay that way for the next few days. Damage on the roadways is making it difficult for power utilities to make necessary repairs.
An Acme in Blairstown was one of four supermarkets throughout Warren County working with utility company Jersey Central Power & Light to give out ice and water to residents who lost power ahead of a hot week, possibly without any air conditioning.
"We never saw this much rain wipe out roads up here in 28 years," Blairstown resident Steve Mecka said.
Route 46 in Columbia is where one of many landslides closed roads in Warren County. Downed powerlines and crumbled roadways made for dangerous conditions.
Mecka was one of many JCP&L customers without power.
"I got six dogs, three horses, a rooster, a pig and a wife ... It's rough up here," he said.
Murphy issued a state of emergency Sunday evening, citing the rainfall, flooding and dangerous winds.
"It's been a herculean effort, but it's been unprecedented conditions that they've found," JCP&L spokesperson Chris Hoenig said.
Hoenig says hundreds of workers have been deployed throughout the state, especially North Jersey. Many will be working 16-hour days to restore power, but in Warren County, it may take several days for some residents to be reached because of the severe damage to roadways.
"If you have the road washed out, you've gotta have the county come in, rebuild the road, everything there has to be done and inspected and certified. We can come in at that point," Hoenig said.
The humming of generators could be heard throughout Riverside Mobile Home Park off of Route 46, which is partially closed because of a landslide. Dennis Morgan, who uses a wheelchair, had an appointment set for Monday for his nurse to come to his home.
"She's not really familiar with the area that much. She might make it around ... but then again, maybe not," he said.
Murphy is expected to tour the damage in Warren County on Monday alongside a long list of officials and lawmakers at the local and federal level.
