Winds blow chimney into house, billboard on Route 17, more

UPDATE: Given our recent history, the overnight storm wasn’t the worst. But it caused serious damage — in one case flinging a brick chimney into the home of a neighbor who was sleeping nearby.

Jerry DeMarco

01/31/2013 3:43 p.m.

Southbound Route 17 was closed down after a vinyl billboard whipped in the wind after snapping loose.

The miss in Lyndhurst occured on Thomas Avenue, after the chimney crashed through the attic and ceiling of a house next door, officials said.

The winds hit an estimated 60 miles an hour overnight. But it isn’t over: The National Weather Service said gusts of up to 50 mph would continue at least until dark.

In Glen Rock, a downed tree on Grove Avenue snapped a utility pole and damaged two street lights.

Crews from PSE&G and Asplundh Tree were on the scene. And although the utility pole snapped, a utility troubleshooter said no homes lost power.

Grove Avenue traffic was detoured while crews removed the tree and replaced the utility pole.

STORY / PHOTOS: Boyd A. Loving

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