photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ho-Ho-Kus NJ, a massive tree was brought down by high winds on Monday morning, February 17, completely blocking a portion of East Saddle River Road just north of Hollywood Avenue in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey.
PSE&G reported 7,771 customers affected at 12 p.m. Monday, down from the 15,145 customers that were without power as of 9 p.m. Sunday.
While the number of power outages around the state have gone down since Sunday night, gusty winds are expected to continue to blow throughout the day. As of Monday morning, parts of North Jersey saw wind speeds of up to 51 mph.
No Injuries Reported, But Power Outages Occur
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the fallen tree. However, scattered power outages were reported throughout the surrounding area.
Crews from the Bergen County Roads Department and the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus Department of Public Works were quick to respond, using heavy equipment to clear the roadway.
Utility and Emergency Crews on Scene
In addition to road crews, PSE&G’s Electric Division and a commercial tree service contracted by PSE&G arrived to assess and repair damage caused by the collapse. The incident resulted in damage to:
- A utility pole
- Electrical wiring
- Portions of a guardrail
Local authorities, including Ho-Ho-Kus Police Department patrol officers and Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department firefighters, were dispatched for traffic control and hazard mitigation.
Roadway Cleared, Repairs Underway
The removal process took several hours, with emergency personnel and cleanup crews working efficiently to reopen the affected portion of East Saddle River Road.
As windy conditions persist, local officials urge residents to stay alert for potential hazards, including falling trees and power outages.
