Downed Tree Snarls Traffic, Power Lines

A tree fell on power lines on Colles Avenue—between Wetmore and Mount Kemble avenues in Morristown—Friday evening around 6 p.m., causing traffic delays and power outages in the area.

Firefighter Bob Bendel said there was no apparent reason for the tree to fall—no wind or other factor. "It's an old tree—sometimes they just come down," Bendel said.

No cars or property were damaged, but the falling tree pulled down power lines and snapped one utility pole.

Firefighters were worried about the danger from the downed, but still energized, power lines, and worked to keep motorists away from the area. "It's going to be a mess for a while," Bendel said.

Jersey Central Power & Light had been contacted and was on the way to the scene.

Streets were blocked off at least a block in every direction and over half a mile on Mount Kemble Avenue.