Severe Storm Sparks Wire Fire, Downs Trees, Closes Roads In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Hundreds are without power and multiple roads are closed in Somerset County after a powerful storm passed through the area overnight.

Road Closures

UPDATE: REOPENED - Route 206 in Hillsborough is closed in both directions between Camplain Road and Valley Road due to a tree down on wires. The highway will remain closed for around 6 to 8 hours. Drivers are asked to use the posted detour.

REOPENED - Washington Valley Road in Bridgewater is closed between Laurel Trail and Vosseller Avenue due to a wire fire.

REOPENED - Millstone River Road between Amwell and Somerset Courthouse Road is closed until further notice due to trees and wires blocking the road.

In Warren, Stirling Road is closed at the intersection of Reinman Road. All Watchung Hills Regional High School traffic must use an alternate route.

Wind Gusts

The National Weather Service reported wind gusts as high as 74mph in Avalon, Cape May County. Here is what Somerset County reported:

• Somerset Airport - 47 mph
• Somerville - 43 mph
• Branchburg - 43 mph
• Basking Ridge - 41 mph

Power Outages

As of 8 a.m., 478 JCP&L customers are without power, including in Bedminster, Bernardsville, Bernards Township, Far Hills, Bridgewater, Branchburg, Hillsborough, and Warren.

PSE&G is reporting 887 customers without power as of 8 a.m. in Montgomery, Bound Brook, Franklin, North Plainfield, Hillsborough, Green Brook, Bridgewater, Branchburg, and Somerville.

Bernards Township is opening its Town Hall to the public on Tuesday as a charging/warming center due to some power outages in the area from storm.

JCP&L is working to restore as quickly as possible. As a reminder, never touch or go near any downed wires. Customers are asked to report outages through JCPL by calling (888-544-4877) or texting OUT to 544487. Use 911 only for emergencies.

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