UPDATE: Widespread Power Outages Remain in Hightstown, East Windsor, Cranbury

Saturday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m.

JCP&L are now reporting 4,654 East Windsor customers without power, while 384 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 501 and 2,000 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 40 Cranbury JCP&L customers are without power.

East Windsor Township released the following alert message last night:

"East Windsor Township public works will be making special passes throughout the Township to pick up brush and leaves, due to the storm damage. There is no need to contact the Township to schedule a pick-up of these materials.

"With respect to the November 6 general election, Extended Vote by Mail Hours are being provided at the following locations and hours:

• Old Courthouse, 209 South Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Trenton
• County Administration Building 640 South Broad Street Trenton
   
  • Friday, November 2 from 8:30 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday, November 3 from 8 am – 2:30 pm
  • Monday, November 5 from 8 am – 3:00 pm

"All Melvin H. Kreps Middle School polling places have been moved to the East Windsor Township Municipal Building, located at 16 Lanning Boulevard, since the Kreps School remains without power at this time. For questions about voting or polling place, call the East Windsor Clerk’s office at 443-4000, ext. 240.

"The East Windsor Senior Center remains without power and closed. However, the East Windsor Community Bus will return to normal operations on Monday, November 5. Riders are encouraged to contact the Recreation Department at 443-4000, ext. 261.

"The Princeton Junction Shuttle bus service resumed normal operating schedule today (Nov.2). Any questions or issues, call (609) 443-4000, ext. 246.

"Both ice and water are available for distribution at the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 at 69 Twin Rivers Drive between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Residents can also continue to charge cell phones, smartphones and PDA’s at this location from 8 AM to 8 PM.

"Per prior notices, several roadways remain affected due to downed poles and wires, including Dutch Neck Road at Drew Lane. PLEASE KNOW THAT ONLY JCP&L CAN REMOVE DOWNED POLES AND WIRES; township officials cannot remediate these situations. Some traffic signals remain without power, and we encourage drivers to proceed with great caution and limit travel as much as possible especially in the evening hours.

"East Windsor officials have been aggressively in regular contact with JCP&L officials, and power has been restored in some areas of the Township. Please know that East Windsor officials and the Mayor have been contacting JCP&L 2 to 3 times a day, as well as state and county officials, and JCP&L is not communicating any status, progress or timelines at this time. Since Thursday mid-day, we have received NO information whatsoever. This is really not an appropriate strategy by JCP&L, and we are as frustrated as our residents. We will continue these efforts and report information as received.

"We are told that residents should contact JCP&L for updated information or to report any concerns. The website address iswww.firstenergycorp.com. The telephone number for general information is 800-662-3115. The telephone number to report any service concerns is 888-544-4877.

Friday, Nov. 2, 3:45 p.m.

Ice and water is available at Twin Rivers Fire Station at 69 Twin Rivers Drive, East Windsor, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and through the weekend. You do not need to be an East Windsor resident to receive supplies.

Friday, Nov. 2, 3:15 p.m.

Hightstown Borough released the following message:

"Many Borough residents got their power restored over the last few days. While this is certainly good news, there are many residents, approximately 400, in Hightstown who are without power, and may be without power for the next 5-7 days. If you have a neighbor or a friend that still does not have power, please reach out to them and help them in any way possible. The Borough will still have our Reception Center open at the Fire House from 10am-8:00pm daily until the need subsides. The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management has set up shelters for the area, and information on those shelters can be received from the Hightstown Police 448-1234. The community has done a great job so far banding together during this event, but we still have a lot to do, and many who still need our help."

Friday, Nov. 2, 12:30 p.m.

Route 130 Northbound has one lane open at Dutch Neck Road. The East Windsor Police Department has the right lane blocked at the present time. There is no time frame as to when it will reopen.

East Windsor Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Edward J. Forsthoffer III released the following message:

"We now have power in five of our six schools.  However, some of the western parts of East Windsor are still without power and this includes the Melvin H. Kreps School. The utility companies are working diligently to repair the problem but I am unable to make a decision related to Monday until I know whether or not we will have power. Once power is restored, I will send out another School Messenger alert. Regardless of our status, if a decision is not made prior, I will contact everyone Sunday afternoon with an update on Monday’s status.

 "As most people have now heard, the NJEA has canceled the annual teacher convention originally scheduled for next Thursday and Friday. Yesterday, I communicated with many of our Board of Education members as well as the presidents of our two local Associations. Everyone agrees with me that school should be in session next Thursday and Friday. Assuming that we have power restored in all schools, we will have school next Thursday and Friday to make up for two of the days we lost this week. I realize that this may cause some hardships for people who have scheduled trips during this time. We will work with all staff that can provide documentation of having non-refundable reservations that were made prior to the storm. Likewise, we will not penalize students who have scheduled out of town trips.

"Also, as a sign of returning to normalcy, the SAT test scheduled to be held at Hightstown High School tomorrow will be held. Pre-registered students should report to the high school and follow the regular test administration schedule.

"I remain hopeful that every resident and staff member has power restored soon. Please continue to stay safe."

Friday, Nov. 2, 11 a.m.

JCP&L are now reporting 5,046 East Windsor customers without power, while 419 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 501 and 2,000 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 43 Cranbury JCP&L customers are without power.

In Hightstown, all residents can put their regular and bulk garbage out for pick up on Monday, Nov. 5, which the borough will collect on Monday and Tuesday. After Tuesday, there will be no garbage pick up the rest of the week. 

Regularly scheduled garbage pick-up will resume on November 13.  

The borough is working to clear all brush.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, the Hightstown Environmental Commission’s fall clean-up scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4, has been canceled.

In Cranbury, Mayor Cook was on a listen only conference call with President Obama. He reports that small businesses should call 1-800-621-FEMA to discuss receipt of aid. Also, the federal government will be flying in additional utility crews and equipment to restore power.

Thursday, Nov. 1, 8:40 p.m.

Route 130 Northbound at Dutchneck Road is closed while electric crews replace a snapped pole in front of Wendy's.

Thursday, Nov. 1, 8 p.m.

The East Windsor Township Municipal Building is now open with power restored, and all township offices will be conducting normal business during regular hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The East Windsor Senior Center remains closed on Nov. 2.

Both ice and water will be available for distribution to East Windsor residents at the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 2. Residents can also charge cell phones, smartphones, and PDA’s.

The East Windsor Municipal Utilities Authority main telephone number is currently out of service. Residents with EWMUA emergency service needs should contact the township Police Department at (609) 448-5678, ext. 0.

Most major roads in the East Windsor are open and passable. Major roadways which remain closed and impassable due to downed poles and wires are:

• Conover Road between 130 and Woods Road
• Dorchester Drive between both Exeter Road intersections
• Windsor-Perrineville Road at Allens Road
• Old York Road south of the NJ Turnpike and at Peddie Golf Course

Other Roadways Which Remain Affected Are:

• Cypress Drive at Woodland Drive
• Exeter Road
• Feldsher Road
• Maplestream Road between Lynnefield Drive and Edwards Drive and Cul-de-Sac
• Meadowbrook Drive

Several traffic signals remain without power, and the township encourages drivers to proceed with great caution and limit travel as much as possible, especially in the evening hours.

Thursday, Nov. 1, 4:15 p.m.

JCP&L are now reporting 5,285 East Windsor customers without power, while 437 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 501 and 2,000 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 46 Cranbury JCP&L customers are without power.

Thursday, Nov. 1, 3 p.m.

JCP&L are now reporting 7,904 East Windsor customers without power, while 440 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 501 and 2,000 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 46 Cranbury JCP&L customers are without power.

The south side area of Twin Rivers in East Windsor and an area of the township between Hickory Corner Road and Hankins Road reportedly has power.

East Windsor Regional Schools are closed Nov. 2.

In Cranbury, those wishing to pay 4th quarter taxes may leave the payment in the lock box by the Town Hall Main Entrance, as the building is currently closed.  Payments are due Nov. 1, although there is an interest free grace period until Nov. 10. 

Regular garbage collection in Hightstown will resume Nov. 2.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.

Cranbury School and Princeton Public Schools will remain closed on Thursday, Nov. 1.

Cranbury Township officials report they have been working with PSE&G to get power restored as soon as possible.

As of noon Wednesday the township did not have any updates on when the areas without power in Cranbury would be restored.

The township is sending public works crews through the town to do chipping. They ask residents to place branches parallel to the curb and facing the flow of traffic.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m.

The East Windsor Regional School District has announced that schools will be closed Nov. 1.

Most major roads in East Windsor are open and passable, according to township officials.

Major roadways which remain closed and impassable due to downed poles and wires are:

• Conover Road between Route 130 and Woods Road
• Dorchester Drive between Dutch Neck Road and Wiltshire Drive
• Millstone Road at the township border of Plainsboro
• Hickory Corner Road between Dorchester Drive and Surrey Lane
• Brooktree Road between Lynnefield Drive and Edwards Drive
• Windsor-Perrineville Road at Allens
• Old York Road south of the NJ Turnpike at Peddie Golf Course

Other affected East Windsor roadways include:

• Cornwall Drive
• Cypress Drive
• Exeter Road
• Feldsher Road
• Glenwood Circle
• Jeffrey Lane
• Maplestream Road between Lynnefield Drive and Edwards Drive and Cul-de-Sac
• Marylin Drive
• Meadow Road
• Meadowbrook Drive
• Yorkshire Drive between Oak Creek Road and Devonshire Drive

Traffic signals remain without power, and the township encourages drivers to proceed with great caution and limit travel as much as possible, especially in the evening hours.

JCP&L representatives have told East Windsor officials power will continue to be out for at least the next 24 hours. East Windsor officials hope to have a better understanding Nov. 1 as to when power will be restored.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 3:30 p.m.

East Windsor will resume garbage collection for Area 1 on Nov. 1 and Area 2 for Nov. 2. The township municipal building remains without power and will be closed for general business Nov. 1.

Beginning Nov. 1, residents can make their quarterly municipal tax payments in person at the East Windsor Township Police Department on One Mile Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a grace period for this quarter’s tax payments until Nov. 12.

On Nov. 1 from noon to 8 p.m., limited quantities of water and ice will be available for distribution to East Windsor residents at the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2. 

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 3 p.m.

Hightstown Borough reports officials are working diligently in the recovery process. Widespread power outages are reported throughout the borough, and as of now there is no time table for return of power. The borough reports it is working closely with JCP&L, and customers are encouraged to call them at 888-544-4877.

No injuries, flooding, or water damage have been reported, and water service was never interrupted. Residents are encouraged to continue to stay off the roads as downed power lines are still very dangerous.  

An emergency reception center is available at the Hightstown Fire Department for Hightstown residents. A recharging station for cell phones and batteries and heated area are available for limited time per resident.

Garbage pick-up in Hightstown, including bulk and metal, is cancelled this week. It will resume Nov. 5.

The borough voting location has been moved to the First Presbyterian Church on North Main Street for Tuesday Nov. 6.

Residents are asked to call the Hightstown Police Department for more information about permanent shelter facilities.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m.

JCP&L are reporting 10,586 East Windsor customers without power, while 2,058 Hightstown customers are without power. Between 501 and 2,000 Cranbury PSE&G customers are still without power, while 211 JCP&L customers are without power.

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m.

JCP&L are reporting 10,725 East Windsor customers without power, while 2,090 Hightstown customers are without. In Cranbury, anywhere between 501 and 2,000 customers are without power.

There are an estimated 10 crews working in the Hightstown area, according to Borough Administrator Michael Theokas.

The East Windsor Municipal Utility Authority reports the East Windsor water supply was unaffected by the recent storm and is safe for drinking.

The township municipal building has no power and will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Municipal recycling services will be provided as scheduled on Wednesday.

The township has arranged a reception area starting Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 at 69 Twin Rivers Drive. Residents needing access to power outlets may charge cell phones, smartphones, PDAs.

Power outages remain widespread in East Windsor Township. JCP&L is continuing to assess damage and remedial work and appreciates customer patience.

Residents are reminded to minimize travel on area roads as much as possible. Downed trees, poles, and power lines remain on many roadways, making roads impassable and unsafe. Many traffic signals remain without power and are not functioning at this time.

The East Windsor Regional School District has announced that schools will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Cranbury School will also be closed Wednesday.

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.

Widespread power outages are still affecting Hightstown in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, but there have been no reports of flooding or water damage. Water service remains uninterrupted.

Residents are urged to stay off the roads, as downed power lines are still presenting a hazard. The borough is aware of all outages and is working closely with JCP&L, but there is no time table for restoration.

Administrator Mike Theokas said officials are working diligently on the recovery process. No injuries have been reported.

Hightstown Borough offices remain closed Tuesday. There will be no regularly scheduled garbage pickup.

Residents are encouraged to call JCP&L at 888-544-4877 for updates on restoration.

Monday, Oct. 29, 11 p.m.

Many trees and power lines are down in Cranbury, according to Police Chief Rickey Varga. Roads are impassable, and the downed power lines are making travel extremely dangerous.

About 70 percent of the township is without power. Cranbury has yet to experience any flooding.

“We are asking people to remain off the roadways through tomorrow so emergency personnel can work to safely remove downed power lines and trees in an attempt to begin recovering from this devastating natural disaster,” Varga said.

He said the town will be working closely with Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management and the utility companies to insure residents will see power again as soon as possible. 

Monday, Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m.

JCP&L is now reporting 6,366 customers in East Windsor and 328 customers in Hightstown without power.

PSE&G reports anywhere from 501 to 2,000 customers in Cranbury without power.

Route 130 in both directions is closed north of Route 33 due to a downed tree. 

Monday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Due to the high winds, many East Windsor roads, including major roadways, are closed or partially closed as a result of downed trees, poles and wires. With the high winds and night-time conditions, JCP&L and Township crews cannot safely address some of these situations until morning. Residents are advised to stay home.

Monday, Oct. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Morrison Avenue at Summit Street in Hightstown is closed because of a downed tree and power pole. Power lines are also down on South Main Street at the intersection of Etra Road.

Currently, JCP&L are reporting 51 customers without power in Hightstown and 3,533 customers without power in East Windsor.

Monday, Oct. 29, 5 p.m.

There are some downed trees and wires in Hightstown. Residents are advised to stay in their homes.

Monday, Oct. 29, 3:34 p.m.

There is emergency maintenance on the New Jersey Turnpike in both directions between Interchange 8 - NJ 33 in East Windsor and Interchange 7A - I-195 in Robbinsville. All lanes are closed to traffic.

Monday, Oct. 29, 3:30 p.m.

East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov and the Township Office of Emergency Management have declared a State of Emergency in East Windsor due to the conditions and potential impacts of Hurricane Sandy.

Residents are urged to shelter at home and to stay off of all roads tonight through the morning hours.

“A resident who drives during these serious storm conditions poses not only a risk to personal safety, but endangers the well-being of our emergency responders and diverts precious resources which are needed to address weather situations and emergencies. Please stay home and off the roads,” the email alert said.

Monday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m.

Hightstown Fire will have a standby crew at 3 p.m. in case of emergencies. The storm is predicted to pick up at this time.

There are no road closures in Hightstown at this time.

Cranbury has three planned locations for evacuation shelters. Depending on the need they will become operational.

There have been no downed trees or wires, road closures, or flooding reported in Cranbury.

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