According to JCP&L, only one customer remains without power in Morris Plains today, Friday, July 10, 2026, one week after powerful thunderstorms ripped through New Jersey. The borough spent the America 250 holiday weekend almost entirely in the dark.
The number is seven customers still out in Morris Township, and three in Morristown. All are expected back online today.
Morris Plains Mayor Jason Karr shared this message with residents:
First, I would like to thank you for your patience during storm restoration and clean up. Everyone in the Borough was affected by this horrific storm in one way or another; power outages, tree damage, internet outages and overall inconvenienced. I worked tirelessly since Friday evening and the days to follow with representatives from JCP&L to get the Borough back to normal and power restored as soon as possible. Thank you to Councilmember Bill Houston who I asked to work with our government liaisons to assist residents who lost their cable and internet services to their homes. He will continue to work on this until everyone is restored. This storm affected all of Morris County and various areas throughout the State, but Morris Plains was hit very hard and it takes many people, resources and departments for recovery. Our Police Department, Fire Department, OEM and Department of Public Works has worked tirelessly for the residents since Friday evening. I want to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication. I also want to thank you, the residents, who have been understanding and patient for the past week. I know frustration and emotions were high and it looked like the end would never come, but I can say as of today, everyone should have power and we are still working on internet and cable. There are a few areas that sustained more damage that has taken longer to restore. Thank you to Bob Flynn our JCP&L representative for his responsiveness and fielding all of my many, many phone calls. Every question you asked was fielded to Bob in which he responded and has been a great advocate for the Borough and its residents.
Second, our Department of Public Works will continue to clean up tree debris throughout the upcoming weekend. Please place your tree debris on the curb in front of your homes. Do not block any roadways. The DPW will be going around town for weeks to come and this is going to take time because of all the debris. If you have concerns regarding trees that are leaning or look damaged, please contact our Shade Tree Department at 973-538-0325. Again, this will take time to assess the entire Borough; please be patient.
Third, I have asked Councilmember Verga to reach out to all our local businesses to talk about any storm related damages and/or relief that the Borough could provide help or information for. And to the rest of the Councilmembers and the roles they played or will play moving forward with lessons learned from this storm, thank you.
If you have a concern or still have an outage, please email me directly.
Also, report the outage to JCP&L by texting OUT to 544487
If your internet/cable is still out, please email myself and Councilmember Houston.
If you have further questions you may contact the Clerk’s office at 973-538-2224
Again, thank you to all of our employees and volunteers who have worked tirelessly this past week for you, the resident.
Thank you and God Bless everyone.
Mayor Jason C. Karr
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty has issued this statement:
Dear Town of Morristown Residents,
Following the recent severe storms that hit our area, our Department of Public Works (DPW), OEM, Police Department, and Fire Department have been working diligently to clear roadways, restore safe conditions, and assist with storm cleanup throughout Morristown. We appreciate your patience as our professionals continue these efforts.
To help residents better understand the storm response process, we would like to clarify the responsibilities of JCP&L or other pole utilities, the Town, and property owners when trees are brought down during a storm.
WHEN TREES ARE ENTANGLED WITH POWER LINES:
Safety is our highest priority. If a downed tree involves electrical wires, the Town must wait until JCP&L (or other pole utilities) has safely addressed the hazard before any cleanup can begin.
During this time, Town professionals will secure the area by placing barricades and restricting access until it is safe to proceed.
JCP&L’S RESPONSIBILITY (OR OTHER POLE UTILITY):
JCP&L (or other pole utilities) is responsible for removing tree limbs and sections necessary to safely restore electric service when trees interfere with power lines.
After completing their work, JCP&L leaves the remaining logs and brush on the property from which the tree originated.
If you see a downed power line call 9-1-1 immediately and stay at least 30 feet away from the line and instruct others to do the same. **Do not try to move or touch the line.
TOWN OF MORRISTOWN DPW’S RESPONSIBILITY:
The DPW removes trees and debris that have fallen within the public right-of-way, including roadways, to restore safe passage.
Town crews also clear walking paths in our parks and remove trees that originate from Town- owned park property, including those that may fall into adjacent residential backyards.
As part of our normal cleanup operations, DPW professionals will return to collect eligible brush placed at the curb. DPW crews cannot enter private property to remove storm debris or privately owned trees. Residents should contact a licensed tree service or contractor for assistance beyond the Town’s collection guidelines.
Homeowner Responsibility:
Tree debris that remains on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Residents may place brush at the curb for Town collection, provided the branches are no larger than four (4) inches in diameter.
Larger logs and tree trunks are the homeowner’s responsibility for removal or disposal.
Operate portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes, doors, and windows. Never use generators indoors or in enclosed areas due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Our professionals have been working long hours under challenging conditions to clean up our community following the storm. We appreciate their dedication and thank our residents for their continued patience and cooperation as cleanup efforts continue.
If you have questions regarding storm debris collection, please contact Town of Morristown Department of Public Works at 973-292-6670. Power Outages should be reported to JCP&L/First Energy per the contact information listed below, however if you remain without power and are not getting the answers you need, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (973) 292- 6629 and our team will coordinate with JCP&L.
The Town continues to monitor storm impacts and remains in coordination with our regional partners, including Morris County Office of Emergency Management and JCP&L, to address outstanding issues and support recovery efforts.
Thank you for your understanding as we work together to safely restore our community.
IMPORTANT MORRISTOWN PHONE NUMBERS
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: 973-292-6670
JCP&L: 1-888-544-4877 or WWW.FIRSTENERGYCORP.COM
MAYOR Tim Dougherty: 973-292-6629
NON-EMERGENCY POLICE: 973-538-2200
TRUE EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 911
And this is from Morris Township:
First and foremost, thank you to our first responders and Department of Public Works crews for your incredible work during and after last week’s storm.
Storm Cleanup Notice
Brush Collection & Food Waste Disposal
Following last Friday’s severe storm, which caused downed trees, road closures, and power outages throughout Morris Township, the Department of Public Works is providing the following cleanup services:
Food Waste Disposal (July 7-15)
Spoiled refrigerated and frozen food may be dropped off at the DPW Yard, 6 Jane Way.
Hours
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- Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM-1:45 PM
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Residents must present a valid Township photo ID. Food waste must be bagged or placed in trash cans. No bulk items or furniture will be accepted.
Brush Collection (July 8-22)
DPW crews will conduct a township-wide brush collection.
Accepted
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- Branches up to 6 feet long and 6 inches in diameter
- Neatly stacked at the curb with cut ends facing the same direction
- Twigs and light brush in containers weighing 50 lbs. or less
- No plastic bags
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Not Accepted
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- Branches over 6 inches in diameter
- Logs, stumps, roots, dirt, grass, or loose leaves
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Please keep brush out of the street and off sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for disposing of materials that do not meet these guidelines.
The Recycling Depot at Jane Way remains open Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:00 PM, and Saturday, 6:00 AM-1:45 PM.
For questions, call the Department of Public Works at 973-326-7398.
Also, any trees damaged or down due to the storm can be removed without permits from the Township. Please contact JCP&L for trees with wires and do not attempt to clear these without JCP&L.
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