Woman In Wheelchair Rescued As Storms Flood NJ Again

A woman in a wheelchair had to be rescued from floodwaters on Tuesday, one of dozens of rescues across New Jersey as storms soaked the Garden State on Tuesday.

The severe thunderstorms that moved across the state also knocked out power to thousands, with Jersey Central Power & Light reporting more than 10,000 customers without electricity as of 11 p.m., primarily in the northwester portions of the state. PSE&G was reporting just under 1,000 customers without service.

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Portions of North Jersey saw flash flooding in the afternoon. The Paterson Fire Company said firefighters rescued 20 people who became trapped by rapidly rising water.

"Among those rescued was a 62-year-old wheelchair-bound resident," the fire company said. "Members of Rescue Company 2 entered the rapidly rising floodwaters to reach the individual, who was stranded in her wheelchair. Firefighters safely carried her from the moving water," and Paterson Emergency Medical Services took over her care, taking her to St. Joseph's University Medical Center for evaluation.

"We are grateful for the courage and professionalism displayed by our firefighters today," the fire company said.

In Little Falls, police warned residents who live in the flood plain of the Peckman River to take precautions or evacuate because the river had risen to a level "creating concern of possible flooding."

Roads in the area also were flooding, Little Falls police and Mayor James Belford Damiano said.

Officials in Hunterdon County, which has received nearly 5 inches of rain since Monday morning, were warning of flash flooding and said the threat would continue into Wednesday.

Bergen County saw another round of heavy rain after dealing with flooding that closed roads on Monday.

511nj.org was reporting flooding on Route 208 in Glen Rock, Route 94 in Fredon, and Route 57 in Mansfield.

Downed trees were blocking parts of Interstate 80 in Mount Olive, along with Route 94 in Sparta, Route 53 in Morris Plains and Route 23 in Montague, 511nj.org said.

Officials in Hawthorne, which had 17 water rescues on Monday, warned of another round of flooding on Tuesday.

"Strong storms are moving through our area again," the Hawthorne Office of Emergency Management said, "and additional severe weather is expected throughout the evening and later this week."

They issued a reminder to drivers: "IF YOU CAN'T SEE THE PAINTED LINES ON THE ROAD THE WATER IS TOO DEEP."

Flash flood warnings continued to be issued late Tuesday night.