90 Percent of North Side Loses Power

Ninety percent of Westfield’s north side has lost power and over 400 homes have flooded basements in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

Fire Chief Dan Kelly said that the town’s emergency personnel have been responding around the clock to reports from residents and businesses regarding the destruction from the hurricane. He said that as of Monday morning, the fire department has responded to 265 storm related incidents in the town.

Kelly said these responses included a small basement fire that occurred on Saturday night as the first part of the storm hit Westfield.

Kelly said that the fallen trees, which have been seen throughout Westfield, have been the main cause of the power outages. Six homes in town have received structural damage from fallen trees.

Kelly said that the fire department has received reports of over 400 homes and businesses with flooded basements. Town fire personnel have been responding to the homes to help pump out basements.

The town’s north side is the most hit with the power outages, with the entire downtown being impacted, along with 90 percent of the north side. Kelly, the town’s emergency management coordinator, said that there have been sporadic impacts on the south side of town.

PSE&G has said it could take several days to restore power to the entire town, which is part of the 58,000 PSE&G served homes, which have lost power in Union County. Power company trucks have been spotted throughout Westfield on Monday.

Kelly said that 20 percent of Westfield’s roads have been blocked by downed trees and power lines.