Day 2: Sandy Updates From West Orange

[UPDATED: 8:15 p.m. Tuesday]
Township officials announced the county has imposed a curfew to allow crews to clean up fallen trees and limbs, repair downed wires and make roads accessible to traffic.

Officials issued the following information:

• A limited state of emergency is now in effect in the township.
• Stay indoors so crews can continue working on repairing storm-related damage.
• Use extreme caution if walking or driving is necessary.
• Broken or hanging branches and downed wires pose significant safety concerns.
• Call the West Orange Police Department non-emergency number at 973-325-4000 immediately if you see a downed wire.
• Municipal offices at West Orange Town Hall will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 31.
• There will be no Garbage Collection or Recycling pickup tomorrow.
• West Orange public schools will be closed.
•  Jitney service is suspended until further notice.

New Jersey American Water customers in elevated areas of West Orange may have low-water pressure or no water pressure. Crews will be working overnight to restore power and return service to customers by Wednesday morning.

The storm relief center at Essex County Codey Arena, located at 560 Northfield Ave., is open for anyone who needs help. Accommodations for pets are available.

Also, Halloween will be postponed until further notice. Residents should not under any circumstances trick-or-treat.

[UPDATED: 3:40 p.m. Tuesday]

West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi said about 80 percent of the town remained without power Tuesday afternoon.  

The mayor said a number of major roads are partially closed, including Eagle Rock Avenue, Gregory Avenue and Mt. Pleasant Ave., and numerous side streets are also blocked to traffic.

No major incidents or injuries have been reported in West Orange, the mayor said, although several houses have been damaged by downed trees.

The mayor was waiting for guidance as to whether residents should be planning on trick-or-treating Wednesday.

[UPDATED: 12:40 p.m. Tuesday]

West Orange officials say 80 percent of the township remains without power following Hurricane Sandy Monday night.

Officials issued the following information: 

• Officials said the shelter at West Orange High School has been closed until further notice because of a power failure. The county shelter at Codey Arena, located at 560 Northfield Ave., remains open
• The township continues under a limited state of emergency with fallen trees and live wires down in the township, officials said Tuesday. Lights along Route 10 (Mount Pleasant Avenue) are out
• Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 31 as well.
• There will be no garbage or recycling pickup on Tuesday.
• Jitney service is suspended until further notice.
• Officials from NJ American Water Company said residents with water-related issues in the township should call 1-800-272-1325 or visit the company's Facebook page here.

In addition, to report downed power lines, call the West Orange non-emergency desk at (973) 325-4000.

All power outages should be reported directly to PSE&G at (800) 436-7734.