Over 5K Without Power in River Dell; High Tide Could Bring Flooding Overnight

9:16pm Update: PSE&G is now reporting between 2,001 and 5,000 customers without power in River Edge and Oradell respectively, according to its latest Outage Map. 

The company previously stated that power may not be restored for a week or more, according to a report on northjersey.com. The company had to cease any overnight repairs as wind gusts reach over 45mph. Crews would begin repair work around 8am Tuesday morning.

4:13pm: With strong winds already impacting the area and high tide a few hours away, both River Edge and Oradell Offices of Emergency Management are predicting that things will get worse this evening once the coastal storm surge hits. While River Edge saw moderate flooding early Monday resulting in the closing of Hackensack Avenue, high tide could bring more flooding to both towns.

"The worst wil begin by 6pm," River Edge OEM Coordinator Tom Smith said. "For the most part the rain hasn't been that bad, but the south end was hit by the 8:30am tidal surge which turned into a super high tide. That is the issue tonight, as the tide continue to push more water in."

In Oradell, OEM Coordinator Derek Kahill stated that they are continueing to monitor the Hackensack River but so far there has been no reported flooding. He added that the borough would likely see some flooding following tonight's high tide surge.

High tide is projected for sometime after 8pm.

"We are still seeing people outside walking their dogs," Kahill said. "This is not a good time to be out right now. Trees have fallen around our area striking homes and pulling wires down."

According to Kahill, approximately five homes were already struck by trees resulting in a fair amount of structural damage but no injuries to residents. 

River Edge also saw a tree come down across Monroe Avenue near Kinderkamack Road and a utility pole crack near Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue.

The PSE&G outage map shows between 1-500 people in Oradell and River Edge without power as of 4:26pm. Power outages and downed electrical wires can be reported to PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734). 

Currently all borough offices, public and private schools will remain closed for Tuesday.

Residents who evacuate their homes can head to a county-run shelter at Bergen Community College in Paramus. The shelter can house those with special needs and pets, according to the county executive's office. Officials reminded residents to bring clothes and medications, and bring a carrier case for pets. 

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