Power Outages Climb To Almost 5K In Union County Tuesday

UNION COUNTY, NJ — As of 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, there are now almost 5,000 customers in Union County who don't have electricity during an extreme heat wave in Union County that began on Monday.

PSE&G reported a total of 4,899 customers still without power in Union County. Every town in Union County is reporting an outage with the exception of Berkeley Heights, Springfield and Winfield. The number has increased by around 900 customers since 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning.

PSE&G estimates power will be restored anywhere between noon on Tuesday and 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Kean University reported that its main campus in Union is experiencing power outages in some University buildings.

On Tuesday, all employees on Kean USA campuses can work remotely, and classes will also be conducted remotely.

An extreme heat warning was issued for Union County from Monday through Tuesday night as heat index values up to 110 are possible, according to the National Weather Service(NWS).

"An Extreme Heat Warning means that the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater," according to NWS.

Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an air quality alert on Tuesday from 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.

"A code orange air quality alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases, and the elderly. The effects of air pollution canbe minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors," according to the NWS.

Forecast

Here is a look at the forecast for this week:

• Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.
• Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 80. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
• Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 99. North wind 3 to 7 mph.
• Wednesday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. Light northeast wind.

Heat Tips:

Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.

To prepare for the heat, the NWS offered the following tips:

• Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.
• When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.
• Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk.
• Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.
• Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning.
• If you don`t have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot, and for a few days after if your home is still hot.
• Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors.
• To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
• Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911.

Cooling Centers

Union County offers a number of cooling centers to keep cool:

Cranford

• Cranford Community Center – 220 Walnut Ave
  • Monday & Tuesday: 8:30am – 10:00pm

Elizabeth

• Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 10 pm
• Open Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
• Closed Sunday
  • Fred Erxleben Recreation Center – 513 Richmond Street
  • Mickey Walker Recreation Center – 860 Anna Street
  • Miller Evans Logan Recreation Center – 161-163 First Street
  • Peterstown Community Center – 418 Palmer Street
  • Elmora Racquet Club – 23 Fernwood Terrace

Fanwood

• Fanwood Police Department – 75 N Martine Ave
  • Call 908-322-5000

Linden

• Linden Public Library – 31 East Henry Street
  • Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
  • Thu: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Fri: 9:30am – 5:00pm
  • Sat: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• John T. Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Linden Multi-Purpose Center – 1025 John Street
  • Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 9:00pm

New Providence

• New Providence Municipal Library – 377 Elkwood Avenue
  • Monday – Tuesday: 10:00am – 8:30pm
  • Wednesday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
• DeCorso Community Center – 15 East Fourth Street
  • Monday – Wednesday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Plainfield (Sunday 6/22 – Thursday 6/26)

• Plainfield Senior Center – 400 East Front Street
  • 10:00am – 4:00pm
• Outdoor Cooling Center – Church Street & Front Street
  • 10:00am – 2:00pm

Rahway

• Rahway Recreation Center – 275 E. Milton Avenue
  • Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 9:00pm
  • Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm

Roselle

• Amalfe Community Center – 1268 Shaffer Avenue
• 9:00am – 4:00pm

Roselle Park

• Casano Community Center – 314 Chestnut Street
  • 10:00am – 9:00pm

Scotch Plains (Monday, June 23, 2025)

• Scotch Plains Municipal Courtroom – 430 Park Avenue
  • 8:30am – 4:00pm
• Scotch Plains Public Library
  • Open now through 9:00pm

Summit (June 23-24)

• Summit Free Public Library – 75 Maple Street
  • 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Summit Community Center – 100 Morris Avenue
  • 4:00pm – 9:00pm
• City Hall – 512 Springfield Avenue
  • 8:00am – 4:30pm

Westfield

• Westfield Memorial Library – 550 E Broad St
  • Monday – Thursday: 9:30am – 8:30pm

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