Hopatcong 100% Without Power After Sandy, Cops Say

An estimated 100 percent of residents in Hopatcong are without power Tuesday just hours afters after Tropical Storm Sandy ripped through the state, according to Hopatcong Police.

JCP&L estimates that power will be restored in 7-10 days.

Officer Robert Haffner said police and DPW crews have been out on the streets working to clean up downed wires and trees, and says residents should stay off the roads. He said there have been at least 50 poles lying on the ground that either snapped or are broken.

"We urge residents 100 percent to stay home," he said. "We're doing the best we can to get roads opened up and get power restored."

As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, Haffner said two JCP&L trucks are working in the borough to get the power restored.

Haffner said that major roads in the borough including Lakeside Boulevard, Maxim Drive, and River Styx Road have been closed.

Police said Hopatcong High School has been open for a shelter since Monday night, and will continue to remain open until power is restored.

Haffner said the Red Cross will be at the high school Tuesday afternoon and will provide cots, blankets and water. The schools will be making food for those in need, and residents are able to use the showers in the locker rooms, Haffner said.

Mayor Sylvia Petillo announced Tuesday that Halloween is postponed until further notice.

"The situation on the street is way too dangerous to allow children out there," she said. "For the safety of everybody we would like to keep everybody inside."

The school district also announced that schools will remain closed on Wednesday.

Stay with Hopatcong-Sparta Patch for continued Hurricane Sandy coverage.