Trees Down, Power Outages Reported in Hoboken and Jersey City as Tropical Storm Isaias Rolls Through

(ABOVE: Church Square Park – August 4, 2020 | Tim Crowell photo)

While Hoboken and Jersey City prepared for flooding, the winds appear to have done the most damage locally as Tropical Storm Isaias whipped into the region Tuesday.

Heaviest rains stayed off to the west, but bands of precipitation driven by punishing winds hit Hudson County hard. Trees are reportedly down in a number of locations throughout the area, while sporadic power outages have been reported in Jersey City.

Peak sustained winds in Jersey City have been reported at 59 mph. Video footage in Jersey City showed large pieces of plywood flying off construction sites.

Plywood sheets are flying off construction in downtown #JerseyCity. pic.twitter.com/3zE8F6ah2c

— Alex Lindgren (@alexlindgren) August 4, 2020

In Hoboken, parks took a beating citywide with trees down in most locations. A tree reportedly hit O’Nieal’s Restaurant near Church Square Park, where responders are currently on the scene.

Maxwell Place Park (📸 — @ rev.craig on IG): pic.twitter.com/X9jb8AkxfZ

— HobokenGirl.com (@thehobokengirl) August 4, 2020

Wind gusts are continuing in Hoboken & causing downed trees & wires. Please stay indoors until the storm passes. To report downed trees/wires please call @hobokenpd at 201-420-2100 or @hobokenfire at 201-420-2004. TY to our public safety officers for working hard to keep Hob safe pic.twitter.com/j8FUzU6ged

— Ravinder S. Bhalla (@RaviBhalla) August 4, 2020

“With winds still howling & wires and trees coming down, home is the safest place to be,” said Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante. “Police officers, fire fighters, OEM staffs, EMS services & PSEG are out there keeping us safe!”

The region remains under a tornado watch until 4:00 p.m. Residents are advised to stay inside for the immediate future, as unsettled weather patterns still continue throughout the region. Travel restrictions are currently in place until 8:00 a.m. Wednesday. From 5:00 p.m. Tuesday until 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, a strict roadway ban will be in place—only first responders and essential workers will be allowed on the roads during these times.

We’ll have more on this story as it continues to develop.

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