Massive Storm System Triggers Urgent Flood Warnings Across New Jersey

The National Weather Service has issued urgent flood warnings for seven counties in northern and central New Jersey as a massive storm system brings heavy rain to already high rivers. Residents and drivers in the affected areas have been urged to take precautions as several rivers are expected to overflow due to the drenching downpours.

One of the flood warnings is for the Pompton River in Pompton Plains, with "major flooding" predicted in parts of Morris and Passaic counties. This warning will be active starting Wednesday morning and will continue until early Friday afternoon.

In Bergen County, the Saddle River near Lodi is also under a flood warning, with major flooding expected from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. Additionally, the Passaic River in Little Falls is predicted to experience major flooding in parts of Essex and Passaic counties from Wednesday afternoon until further notice.

The Ramapo River in Pompton Lakes is also facing minor flooding in parts of Bergen, Morris, and Passaic counties from late Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon, according to another flood warning.

In Somerset and Middlesex counties near the Raritan River in Manville, moderate flooding is forecasted from late Tuesday night through early Thursday morning. Mercer County is under a flood warning for the Assunpink Creek, which predicts moderate flooding from Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon.

The flood warnings come after the entire state of New Jersey was placed under a flood watch on Sunday night by the National Weather Service. They cited snowmelt and heavy rain across the northern areas as factors that will enhance runoff.

In addition to the flooding threat, the storm system is expected to bring strong winds, with gusts reaching 60 to 65 mph in coastal areas and 50 to 55 mph in inland areas. Widespread power outages are a possibility due to the combination of intense winds and weakened tree roots caused by saturated soil.

Rainfall is expected to become heavier in the late afternoon and evening, with some areas experiencing rates of up to 1 inch per hour. The forecast predicts widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 4 inches.

The storm system also poses a potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding along the Jersey Shore and tidal areas of the Delaware River.

Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather developments and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.

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