Over 5K Still Without Power In Holmdel-Hazlet

HAZLET, NJ – The aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias continues to wreak havoc on Hazlet as 1,504 residences are still left without power as of 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Representatives from JCP&L indicate that an estimated time of restoration is unavailable. According to Hazlet police, a “large majority” of area homes are still left in the dark.

Nearly 94% of neighboring Holmdel residences experienced outages, with 5,501 without power as of Wednesday morning (as of 10 p.m. Wednesday evening, that count was reduced to 3,954). According to a message posted online by Holmdel mayor Greg Buontempo, JCP&L expects the restoration to be a “multi-day event” for some localities. Read more: 153K Still Without Power In Monmouth County After Tropical Storm

“JCP&L has brought in 1,800 additional personnel, including 740 line workers and 725 forestry contractors,” wrote the mayor. “I will continue to stay in contact with JCP&L and ensure that they continue to return us to power as soon as possible.”

Wow what a storm, what a mess! Hazlet DPW is out doing its job, cleaning up the town and making it safe. If you have brush you can put it at the curb for pick up. Or take it to the yard at Leocadia Court Monday thru Friday 7:15 am to 2:30 pm and on Saturday 8:15 am to 1:45 pm. pic.twitter.com/VzPUVdECJu
— Township of Hazlet (@TwpofHazlet) August 5, 2020

Cleanup crews across the county were seen deployed on Wednesday morning, scrambling to clean up tree limbs, branches and outdoor furniture strewn across towns. In Hazlet, several roads were closed Wednesday for maintenance:

• Highway 36 is closed in both directions between Middle Road and Poole Avenue
• Middle Road is closed by North Centerville Fire Company
• The traffic light on Highway 35 by Miller Avenue is still nonoperational

“One suggestion is to stay in today if you do not have to go out,” the Hazlet Township Police Department wrote in a Facebook post. “If you do need to go out please use Highway 35 and not 36.”

In a press briefing early Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said that, while the state is prepared to handle the power outages, restorations could take as long as days in some areas.

“This storm is escalating quickly and the numbers are rapidly changing,” Murphy tweeted during the storm. “We are in touch with all major utilities, which are working to restore power ASAP.”

This is why Middle Road is closed in the vicinity of the North Centerville firehouse this morning. Stay away and follow posted detours. pic.twitter.com/OXNNAfewPW
— Township of Hazlet (@TwpofHazlet) August 5, 2020

The town hit the hardest by the power outages in Monmouth County is Middletown, followed by Marlboro and Freehold Township.

JCP&L is reporting that 121,100 Monmouth County residents remain without power as of 10 p.m. Wednesday. An estimated restoration time is currently unavailable.

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