Massive storm pounds borough

Michael D’Onofrio, Staff Writer
Although New Jersey may be shedding the last remnants of winter, it seems the state has exchanged excessive snowfall for a deluge of rain.
As of Monday, Glen Ridge and the surrounding areas received an estimated 3.9 inches of rainfall during the second weekend in March, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest rainfall in the state occurred in North Bergen, which received 5.16 in.; Newark, which received 5.17, and Union, which received 7.63 in. of rainfall over the weekend.
The March 13 storm affected the residents of Glen Ridge in various ways. About 150 residents of Glen Ridge and Bloomfield lost power. The power-outages affected homes throughout the borough on streets such as Ridgewood Avenue, among others. However, the vast majority of power-outages was concentrated on the south end of the borough, especially on Midland Avenue, Adams Place, Chapman Place and Lorraine Street.
Glen Ridge Borough Administrator Michael Rohal said the borough was in contact with the electric company, PSE&G, and said they were moving as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many residents, especially on the south end of the borough, were without electricity until 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. In addition, power outages persisted through the week, affecting 17 homes on Tuxedo Road, Ridgewood Avenue and Ardsley Road. And due to a felled tree on Monday night, parts of Hawthorn, Linden and Ridgewood avenues, and Washington Street. lost power.
All throughout the weekend, the Glen Ridge Police Department were busy answering the concerns and reports of residents. Glen Ridge Police Chief John Magnier said there were many reports of flooded basements, a few felled trees, and damage to garages and porches from falling branches; nonetheless, he said damage was relatively minimal around the borough.

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