Newark Closes City Buildings, Urges Caution Amid Storm: UPDATED

NEWARK, NJ — Newark public safety officials are advising residents to stay safe as bad weather from Tropical Storm Isaias hits New Jersey on Tuesday.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch across New Jersey as Tropical Storm Isaias made its way north through the mid-Atlantic, packing winds of nearly 50 mph. Gov. Phil Murphy issued a state of emergency for all 21 counties that took effect at 5 a.m. and lasted until 4 p.m.

• See related article: Tornado Watch Across NJ As Tropical Storm Isaias Nears

PSE&G reported that tens of thousands of customers lost power throughout Essex County, including Newark.

• See related article: PSEG Power Outages Hit 48K In Essex County Amid Storm

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said the storm is expected to peak in the region between noon and 3 p.m.

“Residents are urged to secure outdoor furniture, awnings, refuse and building materials due to high winds,” Ambrose advised.

Newark City Hall and other municipal buildings were closed on Tuesday, as was the Newark Public Library.

Dozens of flights were canceled at Newark Airport amid heavy winds. AirTrain service was temporarily suspended due to the weather; shuttle buses were made available, Port Authority officials said.

• See related article: Dozens Of Flights Canceled At Newark Airport As Storm Hits

Newark officials told motorists to avoid driving through any streets that may become flooded.

The exit ramps of Route 22 have been closed east at Empire Street and West at Frelinghuysen Avenue in anticipation of flooding. Other streets that should be avoided include:

• Clay Street and McCarter Highway
• South Street and Van Buren Street
• Jefferson and Chestnut Streets
• State Street near Broad Street
• Jabez and Backus Streets
• 357 Wilson Avenue
• Manufacturers Place and Hyatt Street
• Magazine Street and Avenue L
• Avenue L and Wilson Avenue
• Ferry and Foundry Streets
• Norfolk Street
• Orange Street
• Nesbitt Street
• McClellan and Frelinghuysen Avenue
• Frelinghuysen Avenue and the Route 22 underpass

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