The Morning After: Springfield Hit Hard by Sandy

It's shaping to be a quiet, messy day for Springfield.

According to JCP&L's online outage map, 7,014 customers in Springfield do not have power. Springfield isn't alone in the dark; JCP&L is reporting 930,000 customers without power in the state. 

"Power outages are widespread and prolonged throughout the State," Springfield Mayor Ziad Shehady wrote in a Facebook update. "There are no estimated times for restoration yet—days not hours. We have notified the utilities of all infrastructure damage."

In another message, Shehady said he  confirmed with New Jersey American Water that all township customers have normal water service. Nonetheless, he cautioned residents to expect water conservation measures, as AmWater facilities are running on back-up generator power. 

Springfield's municipal offices, schools and library are closed. The ban on non-essential driving is still in effect as of Tuesday morning. Roads are currently impassable, with downed power lines and felled trees throughout the township. According to a message from the fire department, traffic signals are not operational. Residents are strongly urged to stay in their homes. 

Many area stores are closed today. A Patch reader reported that few stores are open on Rt 22 in Union and Springfield, saying that 7-Eleven, IHOP, Target and Shell are open, with long lines of people buying supplies.

"We’re seeing people too many people out on the roads," Shehady told Patch. "The ban is still in effect, that’s the bottom line."

For the latest on the storm and other information, follow Springfield Patch on Facebook.