UPDATED: Irene, The Morning After

The hurricane that swept through the Bahamas and the lower East Coast of the U.S. hit New Jersey late Saturday as a tropical storm, and its heavy rains and wind created headaches for many throughout the township.

Particularly hit hard were residents of lower Lake Hiawatha, who practically were forced from their homes to escape the rising waters of Rockaway River. The waterway pushed through a retaining wall designed to protect Hiawatha homes and police, fire fighters and rescue personnel launched a massive effort to bring people to safety.

Patch will provide an update on the rescue and recovery effort as soon as information becomes available.

Meanwhile, thousands of people in and out of Hiawatha struggled with power outages in the aftermath of the weather event. 

As of noon Monday, PSE&G reports approximately 200,000 of its New Jersey customers remain without power due to the hurricane and resulting flooding. JCP&L reports 1,468 of its Parsippany customers have yet to have power restored (updated total as of 11:30 a.m. Monday). Both utilities say crews are assessing damage and working to restore service, which, for some, could take several days. And both remind residents to avoid downed wires and damaged electrical equipment and to consider them live and dangerous.

If you're out of power and need help, call JCP&L at 888-544-4877. PSE&G can be reached at 800-436-7734.

Residents still coping with flooded basements should notify their electric company as well as their area fire department for assistance.