NJ-11 Faces Power Outages After Storms Amid Heat Wave Warnings
Morris County residents face extended power outages from severe storms while the state remains under drought and extreme heat warnings.
A second round of powerful thunderstorms on Saturday night added to a growing list of power outages across New Jersey, affecting many areas that had already lost service. Some customers in Morris County found their power restored only to lose it again hours later as trees fell and transformers blew during the new storm.
More than 120,000 customers statewide were without electric service by Sunday morning according to data from Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G, and Atlantic City Electric. Morris County was identified as the hardest hit area with more than 27,000 customers still out of power.
Storm Impact on Local Grid
Winds gusting up to 65 mph in some areas brought down trees that damaged infrastructure in regions not affected by Friday night's storm. Atlantic City Electric reported nearly 3,000 customer impacts across the southern part of the state while Ocean County saw over 11,000 outages.
Jersey Central Power & Light estimated restoration for some areas would extend to midweek due to the severity of the damage and the volume of crews required. The utility company deployed more than 1,700 workers who are working around the clock throughout the holiday weekend to restore service safely.
Residents in Point Pleasant Beach reported being without power for over 12 hours from Friday night into Saturday before facing another outage event on Sunday morning. One frustrated resident expressed anger on a public Facebook group after losing power again following a long wait for restoration.
Heat Wave and Energy Demand
The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly warned of dangerously hot conditions with heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees from July 1 through July 4. These extreme temperatures are expected to drive up electricity demand as homes and businesses rely heavily on air conditioning.
Richard Henning, president and CEO of the New Jersey Utilities Association, stated that utility companies are working around the clock to ensure reliable service during these rising temperatures. He noted that extreme heat poses serious risks to public health while straining the state's energy grid.
The association encourages residents to conserve energy by closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day and using ceiling fans strategically to improve air circulation. Other suggested measures include raising thermostat settings when safe, taking shorter showers, and running major appliances at night.
Drought Conditions in New Jersey
New Jersey remains under a drought warning with 100% of the state experiencing some degree of severe or extreme drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection urges residents to use water wisely, especially for outdoor applications.
Officials recommend limiting lawn watering to two times per week and using drip irrigation systems that can save 30% to 50% of water compared to standard methods. Residents are also advised to cover pools when not in use and plant native species that tolerate dry conditions better than other plants.
Utility Response Resources
Jersey Central Power & Light is offering free water and ice at specific stores for customers who remain without electric service during this period. The company encouraged affected residents to text REG to 544487 to receive updates via text message regarding their restoration status.
Additional line, transmission, and forestry crews have been requested by the utility companies as they continue storm response efforts across multiple counties. More severe storms packing heavy rain and a potential for flash flooding are forecast for Sunday afternoon and evening.
Questions residents are asking
When will power be restored in Morris County?
Jersey Central Power & Light is estimating restoration by Wednesday for some areas, though many customers may wait until midweek. The utility has deployed over 1,700 workers to address the damage caused by falling trees and blown transformers.
What should I do during this heat wave?
Residents are advised to close blinds during hot parts of the day, use fans strategically, and raise thermostat settings when safe. The New Jersey Utilities Association also suggests running major appliances at night to help manage rising electricity demand.
Is there a water shortage in my area?
Yes, 100% of New Jersey is currently under some degree of drought warning according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The state Department of Environmental Protection urges residents to limit outdoor watering and use drip irrigation systems.