Gloucester Township Cleanup Continues In Wake Of Tropical Storm

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township is recovering from a storm that wreaked havoc on the region Tuesday afternoon.

There were still more than 700 power outages were reported in Gloucester Township at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to the PSE&G outage map. That number was down from 5,000 earlier in the day. The estimated restoration time is 2:15 a.m. Friday.

Police said they responded to 56 storm-related calls between 9:10 a.m. and 2:51 p.m. In one incident, a person was trapped in an elevator due to a power loss, Gloucester Township police said. In another, a large tree fell into a house, causing significant damage but no reported injuries.

"We also handled several utility poles and trees down blocking roadways," police said in a statement. "Our GTPD officers handled these calls quickly while being soaked by the driving rain. Most of the blocked roadways were cleared in under an hour thanks to the help of our Gloucester Township Public Works Department and our local Gloucester Township first responders."

The Camden County Department of Public Works was also 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.

The weather forecast for the rest of the week in Gloucester Township is as follows, according to the National Weather Service:

Tuesday Night
A chance of showers, mainly before 8pm. The rain could be heavy at times. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind around 5 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 40%. 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 68. Chance of precipitation is 50%. 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 84. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.