<p>We have family in Sussex County, NJ (northwest corner) still without power and not expected to be restored until at least mid-week. My BIL works for Verizon and said that the utility companies are starting to run low on replacement poles because so many were knocked down and damaged. More are being shipped in from the west. My thoughts are with all affected by the storm.</p>
<p>Today my sister got her power back in Westchester, so no need for them to come up now. And I was kind of looking forward to having the company with H gone almost 24/7. Cousin on LI just got theirs back about 15 minutes ago, too.</p>
<p>My ex is still without power in Essex Cty., NJ, and might not get it back for as much as another week. Hopefully it won’t get too much colder. My son came into the City last night, and is with me now. They were finally able to get gas on Friday night, after a 2 1/2 hour wait on line, when my son saw a tweet about the particular station having gas, on the nj.com (Star-Ledger) twitter account devoted to conveying that kind of information. My son’s grandmother did get her power back, so that’s good news.</p>
<p>Still without power here in NJ. I am ax experienced camper, but this is old and I’m tired of it. Also want to shoot my SOB boss who thinks I should try to make it into NYC. My town is completely dependent on the trains that use Kearny Connection or Hoboken, both of which were washed away. It’s really worth my burning gas to try to find a bus and waste 2+ hrs each way, when I’m happy to work 7am-7pm instead. Ugh…you just can’t win.</p>
<p>Nj mom - did you hear Chris Christie say that he doesn’t have electric at his home! I’m sure family is on a hotel or somewhere warm, but shocked to hear his home doesn’t have power!</p>
<p>i can only imagine how it would feel to be cold, hungry, and without any transportation. throw in a bit of poverty and it would make for a most difficult time. i hope that everyone is able to find food and comfort.</p>
<p>Our power came back on this afternoon. It’s amazing how exhausting it is to have the power out - even if you can sleep in your own bed and be warm with multiple blankets and fleece pjs. I’ve just had a hot shower and looking forward to a long winter’s nap!</p>
<p>My sisters in Union County NJ and Morris County NJ don’t have power back. One sister says maybe this Thursday, and the other says sometimes in the next ten days. Ten more days of no power, ugh.</p>
<p>" There is another storm coming this Wed."</p>
<p>I am going to pretend I didn’t read that</p>
<p>Brother in Far Hills just got power back. Brothers in Basking Ridge are still in the dark. Some of their neighbors haven’t been able to even leave their street because of fallen trees. Elderly parents and their medical caretaker still without power. They were shuffled to NYC on Wednesday to stay with a sister who did have power. It got a little too cozy for all of them in the small apartment. Sister found hotel rooms for them yesterday. Dad is running low on 2 of his very important meds (he takes 18 pills/day). I’ll have to get his doctor to call a prescription into the nearest Duane Reade. This is getting very old for everyone.</p>
<p>BIL and SIL are back in Bayonne – still no power in their neighborhood. Schools are not opening til midweek at earliest.</p>
<p>We still don’t have power in Middlesex County, NJ (although it looks like they have most of the grids with schools and businesses up). Schools will re-open Wed.</p>
<p>Seriously? Small earthquake in northern nj this morning? 2.0 !
<a href=“http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/1682623[/url]”>http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/1682623</a></p>
<p>Anyone with JCP&L, here is a good website to monitor how they are doing:
[FirstEnergy</a> Storm Center](<a href=“http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html]FirstEnergy”>http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html)</p>
<p>As you can see, Far Hills has less than 500 people out of power. Both Bernardsville and Basking Ridge are still in pretty bad shape. </p>
<p>At the point, those power companies need to think about (or be forced to) having those power lines underground. The reason Manhattan was able to be up so much faster is because there are no above ground power lines.</p>
<p>I think that it’s pretty hard to do underground power for a town with such a low population density unless you’re putting in lines for the first time. I looked up the population density of Far Hills and it’s 87.1 households per square mile. I do agree on how nice it is though. We have underground and we don’t have to deal with the poles and, to my knowledge, have never had any issues with underground utility problems. The only time we have a problem is outside the neighborhood where utilities are carried over telephone poles.</p>
<p>We have temperatures in the 20s locally tonight so I hope that NY solves their huge housing problems today.</p>
<p>Far Hills is also one of the wealthiest towns in NJ. Think of horse country. Annual stable race is held at Far Hills. My parents are from the area, but they are without power.</p>
<p>My son lives in the northern part of Middlesex County and his apartment complex is still without power. They were told they’re not a priority and it could be another week. But he is only there long enough to sleep as he is working working very long days.</p>
<p>Mattmosemom - tell him to work harder. 
This storm has everyone stretched.</p>
<p>I am not happy with JCPL because their lack of information. They are not doing much to keep their customers informed.</p>
<p>MIL still without power, told it may possibly be restored Wed. Our “Senior Camp” at our house has some campers returning to their homes this past weekend. Did lots of food shopping! Earlier, someone mentioned how to help. This is how a former co-worker of mine who was to run the marathon decided to help. [Danbury</a> Woman Goes Extra Mile To Help Hurricane Victims | The Danbury Daily Voice](<a href=“Danbury Woman Goes Extra Mile To Help Hurricane Victims | Danbury Daily Voice | Your Local News for Danbury, Connecticut”>Danbury Woman Goes Extra Mile To Help Hurricane Victims | Danbury Daily Voice | Your Local News for Danbury, Connecticut) My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who are struggling and will need assistance in the near future.</p>
<p>And there’s a new storm rolling in. Looks like a classic Nor’easter. Not nearly as intense as Sandy, but it’ll still complicate recovery efforts and make life more difficult for those without power.</p>