Union County has issued a state of emergency restricting vehicular traffic until 6 p.m. this evening, according to Westfield Police Chief David Wayman.

Wayman said unfortunately people are not abiding by this order which is resulting in slower recovery efforts. 

"Dangers are still present as the police and fire departments are still assessing all of the telephone poles and power lines that are down," Wayman said. "Unfortunately, people are not only putting themselves in harms way but also the safety of the police and fire personnel."

Everyone should remain at home until at least the State of Emergency has been lifted, he added.