Blackout in Monmouth County

So, what happens when all the lights go out?

A widespread power outage early Tuesday evening led to extreme traffic congestion on nearly every highway in Monmouth County, according to reports.

Officials said a massive electrical failure caused a blackout in the majority of Monmouth County, Northern Ocean County and even towns in Middlesex County.

Reports state the outage is affecting areas from Manahawkin up to Old Bridge, and as west as Freehold.

After experiencing what some described as an “explosion” of a JCP&L transformer, in Neptune Township, at approximately 5:30 p.m., officials are recommending residents stick to back roads and avoid major highways.

An estimated 40,000 residents are without power, while even more are trying to trek home, reports claim.

Both Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft, and Monmouth University, in West Long Branch, cancelled classes for the evening.

Officials are encouraging residents to take extra caution, if driving is necessary.

—Melissa L. Gaffney