By: The Associated Press |
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(Andrew Mills | The Star-Ledger)
Nearly 2.2 million utility customers in New Jersey are without electricity due to the superstorm that’s pummeled the state with rain and strong winds.
Jersey Central Power & Light reports nearly one million customers without service, mostly in Monmouth, Morris and Ocean counties. The utility shut down power to the barrier islands Monday night in a bid to protect equipment and speed up restoration efforts once the storm has passed.
Most island residents were evacuated ahead of the storm.
Public Service Electric & Gas says more than a million customers are without power. Atlantic City Electric reports nearly 200,000 customers are without power. The utilities say it may take until Wednesday before crews can make a full assessment of the damage.
Nearly 2 million customers lost power when Tropical Storm Irene hit the state last year.