Overnight storms bring down massive tree, cut power & shut down road in Mountainside
Police and firefighters closed the area as crews responded to the scene.
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A large tree toppled onto Coles Avenue in Mountainside during overnight storms, bringing down power lines, knocking out power to homes and forcing the closure of the roadway.
The tree fell from the Watchung Reservation and crashed across Coles Avenue between Tanniger Way and Ackerman Avenue.
Officials said the massive tree struck power lines as it fell, leaving about 17 homes without electricity, including four on Coles Avenue.
Police and firefighters closed the area as crews responded to the scene.
PSE&G crews and a tree company spent Tuesday cutting up the tree and removing debris from the roadway.
Crews were using heavy equipment to move large sections of the tree back into the reservation.
Officials said they hoped to reopen the road in time for the afternoon commute.
PSE&G said power was expected to be restored to affected homes sometime Tuesday afternoon.
Crews were also dealing with a second tree that was left leaning against another tree after the storm.
There was no immediate word on injuries.
