New Jersey Hit by Severe Flash Flooding: Roads Submerged, Homes Damaged, and Emergency Declared

Torrential rains trigger severe flash flooding across New Jersey, submerging roads, damaging homes, and prompting emergency declarations.

A sudden onslaught of torrential rain turned parts of New Jersey into disaster zones over the weekend, as severe flash flooding swept across the state, inundating roads, damaging homes, and stranding motorists. Authorities declared a state of emergency in multiple counties, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, and Union, as rising waters overwhelmed drainage systems and forced widespread evacuations.

The extreme weather event, triggered by a slow-moving storm system, dumped as much as 5 to 7 inches of rain in some areas within just a few hours, turning normally quiet neighbourhoods into temporary lakes and leaving emergency responders scrambling to keep up with distress calls.

Areas Most Affected

Among the hardest-hit locations were:

• Hoboken – Known for its flood-prone streets, saw entire blocks submerged, with water levels reaching up to car windows.
• Newark – Multiple highways and underpasses were impassable, including sections of I-280 and Route 21.
• Paterson and Passaic – Residential basements were flooded, power outages reported, and at least two rescues from submerged vehicles occurred.
• Jersey City and Bayonne – Low-lying areas experienced swift water rise, stranding dozens and prompting evacuations.

In several towns, the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers overflowed, compounding the crisis.

State and Local Emergency Response

Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency, authorizing the mobilization of New Jersey State Police, the Office of Emergency Management, and the National Guard to support local municipalities.

“We are deploying every available resource to assist affected communities,” Governor Murphy stated in a press conference. “Please stay off the roads and follow instructions from local authorities. Safety is our top priority.”

Local fire departments and EMS units conducted over 50 high-water rescues by boat and truck. In Clifton, responders rescued residents from a flooded senior living complex, while in Elizabeth, a family of four was pulled from their vehicle after it became trapped under an overpass.

Infrastructure and Travel Disruptions

The flooding caused major travel disruptions, including:

• Suspension of NJ Transit service on several lines due to flooded tracks and signal failures.
• Flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport, where runways were temporarily closed due to standing water.
• Closure of dozens of roads, including parts of Route 46, Garden State Parkway, and local streets in urban centers.

Commuters were urged to work from home or use caution if they had no alternative but to travel.

Damage to Property and Homes

Initial estimates suggest millions of dollars in damages to both public and private property. Residents across counties shared videos and images of:

• Water rushing into basements and ground-floor apartments
• Destroyed household items, floating debris, and collapsed walls
• Downed power lines and uprooted trees
• Vehicles swept away or stalled in knee-deep water

Utility companies reported over 10,000 power outages, with restoration efforts expected to continue for several days.

Climate Change and Urban Flooding

Meteorologists and environmental experts emphasized that the increasing frequency and intensity of flash floods in New Jersey and the Northeast is closely linked to climate change. Warmer atmospheric conditions enable storms to hold more moisture, releasing higher rainfall volumes in shorter timeframes.

New Jersey, with its dense urban infrastructure, aging drainage systems, and vast impervious surfaces, is especially vulnerable.

“Our cities were not built for this kind of rainfall in such short bursts,” said Dr. Erica Goldman, a hydrologist at Rutgers University. “Until we adapt both policy and infrastructure, flash flooding will only get worse.”

Safety Tips for Residents

Authorities have issued urgent safety reminders for residents in flood-prone zones:

1. Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters — just six inches of moving water can knock over an adult, and 12 inches can sweep a car away.
2. Disconnect electrical appliances if flooding is imminent.
3. Move to higher ground or seek shelter on upper floors.
4. Monitor local emergency alerts and weather forecasts.
5. Do not return home until officials declare it safe.

FEMA has activated local response teams and is working with state officials to evaluate eligibility for disaster assistance and possible federal aid.

Community Response and Relief Efforts

Across New Jersey, local nonprofits and churches have opened temporary shelters and are accepting donations of food, water, clothing, and cleaning supplies.

Organizations such as the Red Cross of New Jersey, Community FoodBank, and Team Rubicon have deployed volunteers to assist with evacuations, cleanup, and emotional support for displaced families.

What Comes Next?

As waters begin to recede in some areas, attention now turns to:

• Assessing the structural damage to homes, businesses, and roads
• Providing financial aid to affected families
• Rebuilding damaged infrastructure with flood resilience in mind
• Reviewing stormwater management policies to prepare for future events

Governor Murphy has pledged to work with federal partners and local governments to improve flood readiness, calling the weekend’s disaster a “wake-up call for climate resilience.“

The flash floods that swept through New Jersey are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most developed states to extreme weather events. While emergency crews continue their heroic work, residents, officials, and policymakers alike are left grappling with the realities of a climate-altered future.

As rebuilding begins, the state must prioritize infrastructure reform, floodplain management, and sustainable urban planning to safeguard against the next deluge. For now, the focus remains on recovery—and ensuring that those affected receive the support they need to get back on their feet.

FAQs

Q1: What caused the flash flooding in New Jersey?
A: A slow-moving storm dumped over 5–7 inches of rain in a short time, overwhelming drainage systems.

Q2: Which areas were hit hardest?
A: Hoboken, Newark, Paterson, Jersey City, and parts of Essex and Passaic Counties experienced the worst flooding.

Q3: Is it safe to return home?
A: Not yet in many areas. Residents are advised to wait for clearance from emergency authorities.

Q4: How can I apply for disaster aid?
A: Stay tuned to official state and FEMA announcements regarding individual disaster assistance programs.

For real-time updates, emergency resources, and ways to support affected communities, follow our dedicated New Jersey Weather Alert section.