Icy Weather In Essex County Brings Down Tree Limbs, Wires

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Several towns in Essex County saw downed tree limbs and power lines due to cold, icy conditions on Tuesday, authorities reported.

In West Caldwell, a fallen tree took out utility poles and wires on Forest Avenue, closing the roadway between Gates Avenue and Redman Terrace. “Please avoid the area,” police stated.

In Glen Ridge, police warned about “falling tree limbs in roadways and on sidewalks” due to icing.

Newark public safety officials warned residents about a forecast of rain on Tuesday morning and afternoon, including wind chill values between 25 and 30 degrees.

The Verona Police Department issued the following advisory at 3:33 p.m.:

"Ice has weighed down numerous power lines and trees throughout Verona. Be alert for low hanging wires... Stay away from all downed lines and call police dispatch."

Some public school districts in Essex County had delayed openings due to the weather on Dec. 17, including Livingston, Cedar Grove, Orange, North Caldwell, Caldwell-West Caldwell, South Orange-Maplewood, West Essex Regional and West Orange.

Other schools that had delayed openings included Academy360 (Verona and Livingston), Gramon School & Glenview Academy (Fairfield), New Beginnings (Fairfield), Mt. Carmel Guild Academy (West Orange), Link Community School (Newark), Pride Academy Charter School (East Orange), St. Peter Elementary School (Belleville), The Montessori Children's Academy (Short Hills), The Pingry School (Short Hills) and Trinity Academy (Caldwell).

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