(07/20/06) MONTCLAIR - Residents in certain parts of Essex County are going into Friday without power following Tuesday night?s severe thunderstorms.

High winds tore through the area during the storms, toppling trees on top of power lines in the process. Crews working for the power company are out in full force attempting to restore electricity to affected residents. Due to the large amount of fallen trees, crews must work the old fashioned way by climbing individual poles to repair problems. The utility company says a few hundred customers will remain without power until 8 a.m. Friday.

While many residents are forced to live without Internet access, air conditioning and telephones, some are taking the time to meet their neighbors. They say they are helping each other get through the ordeal.

Related information: Tree smashes into River Vale home during severe thunderstorms Severe summer thunderstorms tear through Essex County