New Jersey, USA – A powerful and slow-moving storm system unleashed torrential rainfall across New Jersey and the wider U.S. Northeast on Monday night, triggering widespread flash flooding that brought parts of the state to a standstill. Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid all unnecessary travel as emergency crews battled to rescue stranded motorists and assess the extensive damage.
The deluge, fueled by unusually humid and hot air, began pounding the region on Monday, with some areas receiving astonishing rainfall totals of up to 6 inches in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings and watches across New Jersey, New York, and surrounding areas, advising of rain rates that could exceed 2 to 3 inches per hour. These intense downpours quickly overwhelmed urban drainage systems, turning streets into raging rivers.
The impact was immediate and severe. Major roadways across the Garden State, including sections of Route 22 in areas like Watchung, Plainfield, and North Plainfield, were rendered impassable, with vehicles submerged in rapidly rising waters. Dramatic scenes of water rescues unfolded in multiple locations, including Scotch Plains and Plainfield, where emergency responders used ropes and even frontloaders to pull trapped individuals from their cars. In one particularly harrowing incident in North Plainfield, a single-family home reportedly caught fire and collapsed overnight, though thankfully no injuries were reported as the family had evacuated.
Public transportation also bore the brunt of the storm. New Jersey Transit experienced significant delays and reroutings on several rail lines due to weather-related wire issues and submerged tracks. Flight operations at Newark Liberty International Airport were heavily impacted, with dozens of flights cancelled and ground stops implemented, causing widespread disruption for travelers.
Communities across New Jersey reported significant flooding. Metuchen, in Middlesex County, was particularly hard hit, with Mayor Jonathan M. Busch informing residents of widespread inundation and road closures. While water levels began to recede in some areas by Tuesday morning, officials remained vigilant as isolated areas still contended with flooded roads and ongoing cleanup efforts.
The recent flooding underscores a growing vulnerability in the region's infrastructure to increasingly frequent and severe weather events. Experts point to a pattern of extreme weather hitting the Northeast, necessitating rapid and coordinated responses from emergency agencies. Governor Murphy's state of emergency declaration allowed for the rapid deployment of state resources to aid local municipalities in rescue operations and flood mitigation.
As New Jersey begins the arduous task of cleanup and recovery, residents are urged to exercise caution. Authorities advise documenting any property or vehicle damage with photos and videos and immediately contacting insurance providers. The events of Monday night serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the critical need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving climate patterns.