Updated: Power Out Around the Borough; Roads Closed

Power outages were still widespread in the borough on Monday as residents began to clean up the aftermath of Hurricane Irene and her flooding.

"Pockets of power are being restored but much of the borough is still without power," said NMPD Chief Frank Papapietro.

Papapietro said approximately 200 New Milford residents were rescued from their homes Sunday, as flood waters rose to historic highs. Papapietro said a final count was not yet available on Monday afternoon.

Prior to the height of Irene's fury, 21 families had chosen to voluntarily evacuate their homes. 

"There is still a tremendous amount of water coming from the north through the reservoir system so residents must maintain vigilance," said Papapietro on Sunday evening. "The area is closed for residents wishing to return until water levels recede."

Borough officials were concerned for the safety of emergency personnel and stopped boat operations around 7:30 p.m. as the currents became increasingly dangerous. 

"It's just too dangerous to put boat crews out in the swift current," said Papapietro. "Boats from NMPD, NMFD, Oradell FD, River Edge FD and Leonia FD participated in a six hour operation."

Some of those who evacuated from homes on Columbia, Harvard, Holland, Pine and other streets went to stay with family and friends.

"Many residents found their own shelter but quite a few went to the Bergen Community College shelter," said Papapietro. "Many came with pets and some were special needs people which presented unique challenges."

Borough officials, including the Mayor and members of the Borough Council were seen at several of the flood locations throughout the day on Sunday speaking with residents and conferring with the police and fire chiefs.

"I'm going to try and see if I can get some of these residents to come out of their homes before it gets any worse," said Mayor Ann Subrizi, early Sunday afternoon before flood waters rose significantly. "People are lulled into thinking everything is fine because the sun is out but we have an unprecedented amount of water still coming."

NMPD officers and members of the NMFD worked late into the night, responding to many emergency calls from residents.

"It was an outstanding job by the rescuers and New Milford DPW throughout this event," said Papapietro. "EMS was also on scene to assess the condition of people who were evacuated prior to them finding shelter."

Property damage was heavy in some neighborhoods and was visible Monday afternoon as flood waters began receding.

"Borough building inspectors will be deployed starting tomorrow to determine the livability of the homes affected," said Papapietro. "FEMA will be deploying advance teams to the area within a few days."

Some roads remained closed Monday, although Oradell Avenue had reopened by noon allowing for another point of access to the borough as well as New Bridge Road.

"Henley Avenue west of River Road also experienced heavy flooding negatively affecting several businesses and the PSE&G substation," said Papapietro. "That area remains closed Monday."

Papapietro said Columbia Avenue is still closed along with River Edge Road and New Milford Avenue.