Power Outage May Last Through the Weekend

Since Sandy hit, Hoboken has made a complete transformation. The streets are dark. Hundreds of volunteers are roaming the street, posting signs, knocking on doors and carrying water and food to those in need.

National Guard trucks drive through the streets. Power is still out. The U.S. Navy and the army corps of engineers have arrived by helicopter. FEMA officials are surveying damage all over town. The constant hum of back up generators has replaced the sound of people frequenting coffeeshops and other local businesses.

On 2 p.m. on Friday, Mayor Dawn Zimmer gave her daily community update and discussed issues such as power restoration, the opening of public schools and election day. Below is the most recent information you need.

• The Hoboken University Medical Center has its power back and is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Because the power was restored at the hospital, those who are on that grid have had their power restored in pockets around town. The most of Hoboken remains in the dark and the outage may last through the weekend.
• Schools remain closed in Hoboken on Monday and Tuesday.
• Hundreds of volunteers are still at work and more are needed. The city is in need of non perishable food. Donations can be made to City Hall and Hoboken High.
• Several food trucks around town are serving food. A free food truck is located at Church Square Park.
• The U.S. Navy has arrived with equipment to repair the Lackawanna Terminal. Downtown ferry service should be working as of Monday.
• The PATH remains out of service until further notice, after suffering "severe damage."
• There is free ice and water at Observer and Washington.
• Stores are opening up around town. Multiple supermarkets—King's, Aspen, A&P, Rite Aid—will be open, even though they are still without power.
• Zimmer has been in touch with PSE&G and has told them more electricians are needed in Hoboken to restore power. Currently, 56 electricians are in Hoboken.
• More pumps are needed in Hoboken to pump out elevators in tall buildings.