Power Outages Persist After Storm In Cherry Hill

CHERRY HILL, NJ — More than 4,000 power outages were reported in Cherry Hill Tuesday in the wake of a storm that wreaked havoc across the region.

There are more than 4,000 PSE&G customers in Cherry Hill without power Tuesday night, according to the electric company's outage map. Power is estimated to be restored by 3 a.m. Friday for much of the area.

Covered Bridge Road is closed between Forge Road and Sherry Way due to multiple downed trees and wires, police said. Drivers should avoid this area and seek an alternate route if they have to be on the roads.

Dublin Lane is closed between Route 38 and Kings Highway.

Cunningham is closed between Manning Lane and Galway Lane.

The traffic light at the intersection of Route 70 and Georgia Avenue is fully functional again.

Power has been restored to the traffic light at the intersection of Cranford and Berlin roads.

The Cherry Hill Recycling Center and mulch pickup located at the Department of Public Works complex is closed to the public on Tuesday due to inclement weather, officials announced. Both will reopen on Wednesday.

The Camden County Department of Public Works is working to clear downed trees and other road blockages throughout the county.

"Our crews are on the roads and working to keep traffic moving this afternoon and as we head into the evening rush hour," Camden County Freeholder Barbara Holcomb, liaison to the Department of Public Works, said. "The system has mostly moved north past our region, but some short periods of rainfall as well as strong winds remain possible throughout the early evening. Our crews have already been dispatched to clear county roadways, and our remaining chippers and chainsaws remain fueled and ready to clear any additional downed trees or limbs that impede travel."

During extreme weather events, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads and inside, or if need be, proceed with significant caution and avoid low-lying areas where flooding is evident, and avoid any downed power lines.

"Never drive your vehicle into water that covers the roadway," Camden County Freeholder Jonathan Young, liaison to the Department of Public Safety, said. "Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear, and flowing water can sweep vehicles off the road with ease. If you are even slightly unsure that your vehicle can safely proceed across the roadway: turn around, don't drown."

Due to the inclement weather, Camden County offices closed except for essential personnel at noon. At this time, the Camden County Library System has also suspended all services for the rest of the day.

In the event that the weather causes isolated power outages, please remember to immediately call your utility company so they can identify the location and coordinate crews to restore your power. This storm has the potential to bring down trees and power lines. Residents need to be extra cognizant of any power failures. Below are numbers and contact info for the two power providers in Camden County:

1. PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
2. PSE&G website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
3. Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476; http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
4. South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
5. South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/

As always, use 911 for emergencies only. Anyone who sees a problem on a county road should call the county's 24-hour hotline at 856-566-2980 to report it to the Department of Public Works.

Here's the forecast for Cherry Hill for the rest of the week, according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.