Mantua Township crews and utility workers continued cleanup Wednesday after a powerful storm swept through the Gloucester County borough late Tuesday, leaving downed trees, blocked roads and widespread power outages.
Emergency response and scale of damage
The Mantua Fire Department reported responding to 75 incidents from the storm into the early hours of Wednesday, Fire Chief Brian Hauss said. About a quarter of the township experienced impacts ranging from fallen limbs to trees down on homes and vehicles.
So far, no major injuries have been reported, Hauss said. One resident sustained a minor injury after a tree fell through part of their house; that person is staying with family in the neighborhood, the fire department said.
Roadways and access
Roughly 25 roadways in Mantua were affected by downed trees and power lines. The fire department and municipal crews said they expected to clear major roads by Wednesday night, with auxiliary streets to follow over the next couple of days.
Two “cut crews” were deployed to work with Atlantic City Electric to remove trees and separate them from live wires so streets can be reopened safely.
Power, communications and public services
Atlantic City Electric reported more than 3,100 customers affected across Gloucester County, with about 1,200 customers losing power in Mantua alone. Utilities continue to work on restoration while crews assess hazards created by trees entangled with lines.
The storm also knocked out the police department’s internet service, hampering nonemergency functions such as providing printed police reports and processing firearms permits. The department said emergency 911 services remain operational.
“We will reassess regarding school on Thursday, September 3rd,”
That message, posted on the Mantua Township School District’s social media accounts, accompanied the district’s decision to keep schools closed Wednesday.
Schools and community support
With schools closed, the district said it would evaluate conditions for reopening on Thursday. In the meantime, children from Mantua were offered free admission Wednesday to Rowan University’s Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, an opportunity the district promoted to families.
Personal damage and local accounts
Several residents reported significant property damage. One recent homebuyer, 43-year-old Rick Sanderson, told officials his sunroom and basement flooded and windows were damaged; he was forced to stay with family while he assesses repairs. Town officials did not provide a full list of damaged private properties.
What residents should know now
- Expect road closures and detours while crews clear trees and repair lines; major roads were prioritized for reopening.
- Power restoration by Atlantic City Electric is underway; customers should follow the utility’s outage map and safety guidance around downed lines.
- Police emergency calls remain available, but nonemergency services requiring internet may be delayed until connectivity is restored.
- Watch municipal and school district social media for updates on school reopening and recovery resources.
| Area | Customers Affected | Outages Reported |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester County | 3,100+ | 72 |
| Mantua Township | 1,200+ | Included above |
Local officials urged residents to avoid downed trees and power lines, secure personal property where possible, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. The fire chief emphasized that crews will continue working into the night to reopen primary thoroughfares and remove imminent hazards.
WE NEWS will update this story as utility companies and township officials release further information about restoration timelines, damage assessments and any assistance programs for residents affected by the storm.
— Rohan Iyer, State Correspondent
