Flooded Roads, Downed Wires And Trees Kept Bernards Police Busy

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township first responders were busy this week responding to many calls in connection with the Tuesday night winter storm.

The storm from Jan. 9 to 10 dropped 3.25 inches of rain in Basking Ridge.

During the rainstorm, Bernards Township Police responded to several flooded roads. No water rescues were needed:

• Newell Drive started around 6 p.m. and receded by 4 a.m.
• Valley Road between Martinsville Road and Spring Valley Boulevard started around 10 p.m. and receded by 4 a.m.
• Hardscrabble Road between Childs Road and Butternut Lane
• Acken Road south of Spring Valley Boulevard at Warren Township line
• Madisonville Road at Harding Township line
• Lord Stirling Road at the Passaic River/Long Hill Township line

"Our biggest issue was a downed telephone pole and wires on Mt. Airy Road between Countryside Lane and Oak Street. This section is a major county roadway and was closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday until 4 p.m. Wednesday," said Bernards Police Detective Lt. Michael Sweeney.

Patrol officers also responded to about 10 calls related to storm. These calls included flooding, wires down, tree downs, and road hazards.

Bernards Township Office of Emergency Management was activated for the entire storm.

Department of Public Works and Township emergency services, Basking Ridge Fire Company, and Liberty Corner Fire Company were on standby during the storm.

A Flood Watch has been issued for Somerset County ahead of another winter storm set to hit the area on Friday. Read More: Flood Watch Issued For Somerset County Ahead Of New Winter Storm

The storm is projected to bring rainfall totals ranging from 0.5-1.5 inches, damaging winds and a chance of coastal flooding. Read More: New Winter Storm Poses Same Flood, Wind, Outage Threats To NJ

Authorities continue to remind residents to "Turn around, don't drown."

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management offered a few tips to stay safe during flooding events:

• If you approach a flooded road, path, or walkway follow this rule: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
• Six inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you off your feet, and a depth of two feet will float your car! Never try to walk, bike or drive through flooded areas. Water may be deeper than you think!
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Obey traffic barriers. STOP! Turn around and go another way.
• Keep children from playing in floodwaters or near culverts and storm drains.

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