Nearly 300 customers remain without power as multiple roads stay closed and officials open the police department lobby as a cooling center during continued extreme heat.
Monroe Township, NJ – Cleanup efforts continued Friday across Monroe Township after a powerful thunderstorm swept through the area late Thursday night, leaving behind downed trees, power lines, and several road closures throughout the community.
According to the Monroe Township Police Department, approximately 295 customers served by JCP&L remained without electrical service as utility crews worked to restore power and repair storm damage across the region.
Road closures remain in effect
Authorities said the following roadways remain closed because of downed trees and power lines:
- Dey Grove Road between Bergen Mills Road and the Manalapan Township border
- Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road between Hoffman Station Road and Monroe Boulevard
- Helmetta Road between Cherry Blossom Drive and Old Road
- Spotswood-Englishtown Road between Mounts Mill Road and Rue Road
- Union Hill Road between Englishtown Road and the Manalapan Township border
Officials urged motorists to avoid the affected areas, follow posted detours, and drive cautiously while emergency crews continue cleanup operations.
Residents were also reminded to “always assume that any downed power line is energized” and to stay away from damaged wires, trees, or other objects that may be in contact with electrical lines. Hazardous conditions should be reported immediately by calling 911.
Cooling location available during extreme heat
With another day of hot and humid conditions expected, the Monroe Township Police Department announced that its lobby at 3 Municipal Plaza is open 24 hours a day as a cooling location for anyone needing relief from the heat.
Officials advised residents experiencing outages to report them directly to JCP&L by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). “Utility crews are working around the clock throughout the region to restore power, make critical repairs, and address hazardous conditions as safely and quickly as possible,” the department said.
The police department thanked the Township Office of Emergency Management, Department of Public Works, local fire departments, EMS personnel, and utility partners for their ongoing response, adding that additional updates will be provided as restoration efforts continue.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for another hot day Friday with a high near 88 degrees and a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Additional scattered thunderstorms are possible Sunday, with temperatures expected to reach around 91 degrees.
Key Points
- Nearly 295 JCP&L customers in Monroe Township remain without power following Thursday night’s severe thunderstorm.
- Five roads remain closed because of downed trees and power lines as cleanup operations continue.
- The Monroe Township Police Department lobby is open 24/7 as a cooling location during the ongoing heat.
Related: Monroe Township, Monroe Township Police Department, JCP&L, Middlesex County, New Jersey storm recovery
