11:00am: Berkeley Heights, Mountainside and County Update

With the worst of the storm over, it's time for Union County to concentrate on cleanup efforts, and for those in low-lying areas, the continued threat of even more damage from overflowing river banks.

While downtown businesses were closed in Berkeley Heights this morning, the local Dunkin' Donuts in Clark was a welcome retreat for those who waited a half-hour for their mocha latte.

It took one resident from Westfield -- no more than a ten minute drive on normal days -- 45 minutes to get to Clark. everyone was more than willing to share their stories, and quite a few actually knew each other, despite being from different towns.

A Winfield police officer said that the Rahway River is expected to crest around 2:00pm, which will make matters worse for those already under water. 

There are power outages in Garwood, Cranford, Westfield and Clark, although there are homes with power. The Cranford Community Center is being used for evacuees.

Over in Mountainside, police Captain Rich Osieja reports that even though the worst of the storm is over, the town is now dealing with the clean up and flooding. Fallen trees, downed wires and flooded-out roads are the biggest issues.

A structure fire this morning at a two-story structure on Ackerman Ave. in Mountainside is out, with only minor damage being reported. There are numerous downed trees into houses and the highway is flooded over at Echo Lake bridge with one lane outbound by highway due to downed trees.

Berkeley Heights police Lt. Frank Fortunato reported that Rt. 78 has been re-opened to traffic at 10:00am after being closed due to flooding. 

Diamond Hill Rd. is closed from McMane Ave to Valley Rd. to north and south traffic.