by Flash flooding swept across New Jersey on Monday, prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency. The governor urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rainfall inundated roads and neighborhoods, particularly in northern and central parts of the state.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple flash flood warnings across New Jersey as intense thunderstorms brought more than five inches of rain to some areas. The emergency declaration allows state agencies to quickly deploy resources and coordinate efforts to protect public safety.
- State of Emergency:
- Declared by Governor Phil Murphy on Monday.
- Aims to support rapid response and coordination among emergency services.
- Residents advised to stay indoors and avoid travel.
- Air Travel Impact:
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) under a ground stop until 10 p.m. ET.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City also placed under a ground stop.
- Counties Under Flash Flood Warnings:
- Northern New Jersey: Essex and Union Counties (warning until 10 p.m.)
- Southern New Jersey: Burlington County (warning until 11:45 p.m.)
- Central New Jersey: Monmouth and Middlesex Counties (warnings until 11:15 p.m.)
- Other Areas: Bergen and Hudson Counties (warnings expired around 9:45 p.m.)
- Rainfall Totals and Forecast:
- Between 4.5 and 5.5 inches of rain already reported in affected areas.
- Additional 0.2 to 0.5 inches of rainfall expected.
- Cities at Risk of Flooding:
- Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Linden, Union, West Orange, Montclair, Rahway, Maplewood, Westfield, and others.
Emergency Response:
- State and local emergency operation centers remain active.
- Damage assessments will begin once water levels recede.
- Officials continue monitoring the situation and preparing for additional rainfall.
This flooding event follows a pattern of increasingly severe weather in the Northeast. Similar emergency declarations have been made in other states this summer, including Texas and New Mexico, due to extreme flooding. Governor Murphy’s response reflects growing concerns about the impact of climate-driven weather events on public safety and infrastructure.
