Full Notification

JCPL reports that 70,000 customers still have no electricity. Crews were active in Knowlton yesterday, restoring 487 customers. The number still out of power in Knowlton was not provided. JCP&L reports a total of 15 broken telephone poles and 76 damaged areas in Knowlton. For the areas still without power, the global time for restoration is now 3/8/18.

Knowlton Elementary is closed today and North Warren Regional HS and Blairstown Elementary will be closed today and Wednesday because of downed wires and transportation concerns from blocked roads.

The National Weather Service is predicting a winter storm, "Quinn," with strong winds and heavy snow of 8 inches or more developing late Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday. This will likely delay electric restoration schedules. We will keep residents posted.

Given this impending storm coupled with the residents who have been without electricity and running water for 5 days, last night municipal officials had a meeting with Josh Gottheimer. The Congressman and Freeholders, with the support of local officials, have requested that Governor Murphy declare a state of emergency for this area. The concerns were also laid out in a conference call meeting with JCP&L yesterday.

The warming center at North Warren is open daily from 4 to 9. Food donations have been large and delicious. Shower facilities are available. Residents can grab food, a hot shower, and charge cellphones there.

Gallon jugs of drinking water are available at the warming center courtesy of Mountainwood Spring Water Company. JCPL continues to provide daily vouchers for free water and ice at the Blairstown Acme.

Knowlton officials continue to hold a daily OEM meeting with Hardwick, Hope, and Blairstown Townships to develop a coordinated response.

Last note-- especially now that electricity is coming back to parts of the grid, use extreme caution near downed wires. Do NOT move traffic cones to allow cars around downed wires.

Updates will continue to be provided until electricity is restored.