UPDATE: Fire at Howell Substation Causes Power Outages in Freehold

A problem at a JCP&L substation in Howell has led to power outages in the area, according to Freehold Township Administrator Peter Valesi.

"It's not a flood or fire. JCP&L is having an issue at the Howell substation," Valesi said. "They hope to have power up and running soon. They have crews working on it now."

Mayor David Salkin said Freehold Township police officers have been dispatched to Route 9, where five lights are without electricity.

“Our police officers are manually directing traffic on Route 9,” Salkin said.

In Howell, the power reportedly went out in the Pointe O'Woods development but has since been restored after the brief outage.

Roberta Sheridan, a JCP&L spokesperson, said 2,772 customers were without power in Freehold as of 2:30 p.m. Friday. The company is trying to determine the cause, Sheridan said.