The storm that swept through the state overnight is being blamed for a building collapse and downed power lines, flooding Watch video
MERCER COUNTY -The storm that brought strong winds and driving rain that swept through Mercer County overnight is being blamed for a partial building collapse in Trenton and downed power lines and flooding throughout the area Thursday.
A 3-story commercial building on the 800 block of South Broad Street partially collapsed overnight, fire officials said.
No one was inside the building when the front of the structure gave way around 10:30 p.m., leaving broken glass and rubble strewn around. Police at 8 a.m. Thursday had the surrounding block cordoned off to traffic.
Fire Battalion Chief Terry Mulryne said no one was hurt in the collapse, but the adjacent buildings were evacuated. No one was in them at the time, but since all three are attached, no one is being allowed inside Thursday, Mulryne said.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation, Mulryne said.
Partial collapse of N.J.'s oldest bridge forces emergency repairs (PHOTOS)
In Princeton, numerous roads were closed Thursday morning because of overnight flooding, police said.
The area of Route 206 near Quaker Road, near where the state Department of Transportation is repairing the state's oldest bridge, was reduced to one lane by 8:30 a.m. and police said there were significant delays.
Forbes College, on the campus of Princeton University, is also experiencing flooding, according to the Daily Princetonian.
Also on the university campus, Carnege Center -- home to information technology and the finance departments -- is without power. It is expected to re-open late afternoon, said Mia Pullan, univeristy spokeswoman.
Public Service Gas & Electric reported that fewer than 100 customers in Mercer County were without power by 2 p.m. That number was down from more than 250 at 8 a.m.
A flood warning has been issued for Somerset and Mercer counties until 10:15 a.m. with several creeks and streams at or above their flood stage. And while the worst is over, according to the National Weather Service, scattered wind gust up to 45 mph through the day are likely.
Keith Brown may be reached at kbrown@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBrownTrenton. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.