UPDATE: Power Outage Hits Route 36 Area in Middletown Tuesday

Update 9 p.m. Power was fully restored to Middletown earlier in the afternoon.

Update: 1:30 p.m.: Power has been restored to all but 367 users. 

A power outage struck Middletown's Route 36 communities around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, killing the lights to 1,777 customers at lunchtime, darkening the traffic signals at busy intersections and prompting reports of flickering lights. 

JCP&L said the problem is related to a malfunction at the Belford substation, said Middletown Township Lt. Neal Hansen. "JCP&L has a crew responding," he said at noon.

Township Fire Police and officers are stationed at the two Main Street and Route 36 interesections, as well as Wilson Avenue and Route 36. 

"We anticipate we power restored shortly," said Hansen.