Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene Slams the Shore; 49,000 Without Power

Downed branches, trees; power lost across the region

The onslaught of Hurricane Irene has begun across the Jersey Shore. A days worth of intermittent rain erupted into massive ocean swells, torrential showers and heavy sustained and gusting winds by Saturday evening and, forecasters say, the worst is still to come. By 2:30 a.m., widespread power outages were being reported up and down the coast. According to Jersey Central Power & Light, major outages were reported in Monmouth County with more than 49,000 customers reporting a loss of electricity. In Wall, Jersey Central Power & Light reports that about 2,800 people are without power, according to its outage map. Howell appears to be among the hardest hit, with more than 5,800 in the dark. Wall Township Police in a 2 a.m. statement said …

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