Summit’s post-storm cleanup is entering the home stretch, with most power restored but crews still working to clear blocked roads and smaller outage pockets days after severe weather swept through the area.
JCP&L said Tuesday, July 7, that power had been restored to all major outage areas in Summit following Friday night’s storms, which knocked out electricity for thousands of residents.
Smaller outages remain, mostly affecting fewer than 20 customers. JCP&L said those repairs are more time-intensive and could continue through Thursday, July 9. Remaining outages affecting larger groups of customers were expected to be resolved by Wednesday.
The recovery moved quickly after the storm. About 1,367 Summit customers were without power Sunday, July 5. By Monday, that number had fallen to about 600, according to city officials. JCP&L deployed more than 2,400 workers across the region over the holiday weekend to assist with restoration.
Roads still blocked
Fallen trees and downed wires continue to slow cleanup. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Summit Police Department reported several road closures, including:
- Hillcrest Avenue from Bellevue Avenue to Beechwood Road
- Lowell Avenue from Morris Avenue to Montrose Avenue
- Passaic Avenue between Constantine Place and Beekman Road
- Prospect Street between High Street and Pine Grove Avenue
- Oak Ridge Avenue near Greenbriar Drive
- Devon Road between Sweetbriar Road and Drum Hill Drive
Broad Street at Springfield Avenue has reopened.
Officials reminded residents to stay at least 30 feet away from downed or low-hanging power lines and to treat all wires as energized.
Help for residents
The Summit Community Center will remain open as a charging station through Thursday, July 9, from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Department of Public Works crews are continuing tree removal, though trees near live wires must wait until JCP&L confirms the area is safe.
Residents can report storm damage through SeeClickFix. Emergencies and downed power lines should be reported by calling 911.
