Twp. Gets a Foot of Snow, 3K Still Powerless

More than 3,000 residences in Washington Township are without power as of 9 a.m. Sunday, according to energy provider Jersey Central Power & Light, and there is no indication of when it will return.

Phone lines have been disrupted in town as well, according to Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Davidson, including that of the Washington Township Police Department.

"Most roads were closed throughout the night," Davidson said, who was at the police station when its CenturyLink phone and Internet connection went out. "Personally, I think this may be worse than [Hurricane] Irene."

Davidson was told by JCP&L that extra crews from out of state were being brought in to help with the situation before the storm arrived.

"I saw a few trucks out last night, but when they'd fix a wire, another branch would come down and take out the work they just finished," he said.

The only buildings in town that may be used as back-up shelters would be the three firehouses, Davidson said, as they are the only ones with power. All of the local schools, save for West Morris Central High School, are without power as well. The high school on Bartley Road only has partial power, Davidson said.

As progress is made, officials will decide on whether or not to open those buildings to the public.