The Alternative Press

WEST ESSEX, NJ - Area residents should use extreme caution today while walking and driving. The National Weather Service (NOAA) has issued an advisory for dangerously strong gale force wind gusts, potentially leading to branches falling and power outages. It is forecasted to be particularly difficult to drive during the hours of 10am to 7pm; particularly difficult to walk during the hours of 7pm to 10pm.

According to the forecast from NOAA’s local meteorological center at the Essex County Airport, in Fairfield, the winds themselves will be in the “Fresh Breeze” range from 18 mph to 24 mph until midnight tonight. However, it will be the constant wind gusts which provide the greater concern. Yesterday’s lower mileage wind gusts were enough to cause local power outages throughout Caldwell, Roseland and West Caldwell while at the same time taking down a tree in Roseland off the Rt. 280 East ramp on Laurel Avenue.

The detailed Wind Gust forecast for today is as follows:

VERY WINDY NEAR GALE FORCE:
9am until 10am
38 mph
Difficult to walk against

STRONG WINDS GALE FORCE:
10am until 12pm
41 mph  
Difficult to drive against

STRONG WINDS FRESH GALE FORCE:
12pm until 5pm
43 mph
Difficult to drive against

STRONG WINDS GALE FORCE:
5pm until 7pm
39 mph
Difficult to drive against

VERY WINDY MODERATE GALE FORCE:
7pm until 9pm
34 mph
Difficult to walk against

VERY WINDY HIGH WIND:
9pm until 10pm
31 mph
Difficult to walk against

WINDY STRONG BREEZE:
10pm until Midnight
29 mph

Residents are reminded, in the case of a power outage, to alert PSE&G to their outage location. Call them and also report the address online so that it "pings" the computer system. To report online, you must be registered online first with their website.

PHONE:  800-436-PSEG (7734)

REGISTER ONLINE

REPORT ONLINE

Now is the time to prepare for a possible power outage:

• Check that all electronic devices have been fully charged
• Check that all flashlights have batteries
• Have candles and matches ready
• Have wood for a fireplace and matches ready
• Have fuel ready for generators
• Set the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings for the duration of the weather event or place foods outside in the freezing temperatures

The National Weather Service has also issued an advisory for the likely chance of snow Monday evening until early Tuesday morning, and then again Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. A detailed chart can be found on today’s West Essex Weather Update.

From day one during Hurricane Sandy, the West Essex TAP Facebook page was an outstanding source for comments from area residents; neighbors provided to each other power updates and gas station openings and prices around the clock. To participate, sign up for an account with Facebook, and then send a friend request to the TAP page by clicking on the Add Friend button to the right of their name.