Cherry Hill residents are grappling with the aftermath of a powerful storm that swept through the region overnight, leaving hundreds without power and causing damage to public spaces. The storm, accompanied by heavy rain and gusts exceeding 65 mph, took a toll on the community, resulting in downed trees, power lines, and the closure of two popular parks.
Power Outages Persist: As of 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 235 homes and buildings in Cherry Hill were still experiencing power outages, according to PSE&G. The utility provider anticipated restoration efforts to be completed by 10:15 p.m. While significant progress had been made, New Jersey reported nearly 32,000 outages overall, a notable decrease from the overnight peak of 120,000.
Storm Impact and Response: Cherry Hill bore the brunt of the storm, receiving 2.31 inches of rain, as recorded by the National Weather Service’s preliminary data. The gusts, surpassing 65 mph in Camden County, led to the downfall of trees and power lines. Countywide, 65 trees succumbed to the strong winds, with over half causing damage to homes, according to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management.
Emergency Calls and Public Works: During the storm’s peak, the county’s 911 call center fielded nearly 1,300 calls for service and assistance, highlighting the severity of the weather event. In response, the Cherry Hill Township Department of Public Works has been actively addressing the aftermath, focusing on removing fallen trees and branches from public streets and properties.
Residents seeking assistance for downed trees or wires are encouraged to contact the Department of Public Works at 856-424-4422 or the Cherry Hill Police Department at 856-665-1200.
Park Closures: The storm’s impact on public spaces led to the closure of two prominent Cherry Hill parks — Woodcrest Bowling Green and Lions Den. The Cherry Hill Recreation Department advises residents to stay informed about park reopening details through their social media channels.
Conclusion: Cherry Hill is working diligently to recover from the storm’s impact, addressing power outages and clearing debris from public areas. Residents are urged to report issues promptly, and updates on park reopenings can be found on the Cherry Hill Recreation Department’s social media platforms.
