Tuesday 11:30 p.m. update: Storm already causing havoc in Princeton area including downed trees, closed roads, transformer fire, power outages

As of 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, the storm that began just after noon has brought down trees and wires in the Princeton area and has led to a transformer fire that has left some area residents without power. About 5,000 households and businesses in Mercer County are without power and more than 65,000 homes and businesses in the state have no power.

A flood warning is in effect for the region until 1 a.m. Friday. The governor of New Jersey declared a state of emergency that went into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Please stay home if you can. We can’t stress this enough. Conditions are becoming unsafe. We haven’t seen the worst of it yet. The worst is expected to come later Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Charge up your devices, find your flashlights and candles, and prepare for a night inside.

Transformer fire in Princeton Junction

In Princeton Junction, a transformer fire on Washington Road (Route 571) has caused scattered power outages. Traffic lights are also out on and off at multiple locations, including Route 571 at Southfield and Route 571 at Clarksville Road. Police in West Windsor said there is no estimated timeline yet for the repairs to be completed.

Road closures

Princeton

In Princeton, roads are beginning to flood. Quaker Road between Mercer Road and Province Line is closed due to flooding.

Mount Lucas Road between Ross Stevenson Cirlce and Poor Farm Road is closed due to a

River Road (County Road 605) is closed in Princeton and Montgomery due to flooding.

Drakes Corner Road in Princeton is closed between Fredrick Court and Leonard Court due to a downed tree.

Route 206 between Province Line Road and Lovers Lane in Princeton has be reopened as of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Hodge Road is closed between Library Place and Elm Road due to a downed tree.

Montgomery

River Road (County Road 605) is closed in Princeton and Montgomery due to flooding.

South Brunswick

In South Brunswick, the Route 1 southbound ramp to Raymond Road is closed due to flooding.

Raymond Road is closed due to downed wires.

Davidsons Mill Road is closed due to downed wires.

Trees and wires are down on Riva Avenue.

The following areas of South Brunswick have no power: Raymond Road, Davidsons Mill Road, Riva Avenue, Ireland Brook, and Pinter Lane.

Franklin Township

In Franklin Township, Canal Road between Coppermine Road and Rt. 518 is closed due to flooding.

South Middlebush Road is closed between Bennetts Lane and Blackwells Mills Road due to flooding.

Van Cleef Road is closed between Grouser Road and Blackwells Mills Road due to flooding.

The southbound right-hand lane of Easton Avenue is closed between Hollywood Avenue and Demott Lane due to a downed tree.

NJ Transit

NJ Transit’s Access Link has issued a travel advisory due to the state of emergency. Customers are advised to confirm if their destination will be open, allow extra travel time, and anticipate weather-related service delays.

What to do if you lose power

If you are a PSE&G customer and you lose power, you can report it at 1-800-436-7734.

If you are a JCP&L customer and you lose power, you can report it at 1-888-544-4877 . You can also text at 544487 (LIGHTS).

Check back with us for regular updates. We are with you for the duration. Email your storm tips and photos to editorATplanetprinceton.com