Historic Flooding, Bridgewater Highway Closed In Ida's Aftermath

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — It's all hands on deck as first responders continue to deal with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ida.

The North Branch Raritan River on the border of Bridgewater and Branchburg hit historically high levels measuring at 19.52 feet high as of midnight which is just above the 19-foot record from Hurrican Floyd, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Old York Road and Milltown Road remain closed as of this morning as a result.

"Turn around, don't drown," Bridgewater Police said.

Flooding also closed Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg and Route 202 has since reopened after flooding near the border of Branchburg.

Police had to go out and rescue numerous people from the water last night and are asking residents to stay home.

"We cannot stress this enough, if the roadway is flooded or impassable, DO NOT attempt to proceed down the road. Bridgewater Police Officers and emergency personnel are handling numerous water rescues. Find a safe place to remain until this storm passes. If you are in a safe place now, STAY there. Do not put your safety or life in jeopardy. Keep our Bridgewater emergency personnel safe tonight," said police.

TD Bank Ballpark is also reportedly underwater as of Thursday morning.

Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench declared a state of emergency for the township just after midnight on Thursday due to severe flooding.

"We are seeing what is likely the worst flooding event to happen in Bridgewater for many years," said Moench. "Tomorrow and in the coming days, the work will begin to assess the damage and begin to recover but for now please heed this declaration and stay in your homes. Please keep yourselves and your families safe. If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1."

In Hillsborough, all roads in and out of the township are closed due to flooding as of 8 a.m.

See flooding on Gemini Drive on Wednesday night in Hillsborough. Video courtesy of Yerlin Maria:

Hillsborough officials are pleading with residents to "Please stay off the roadways. Do not drive through water."

Somerset County sent out an alert on Thursday morning stating "911 is for LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCIES. PLEASE DO NOT CALL 911 FOR anything other than that at this time."

In Somerville, a house on Mercer Street exploded which affected about 10 nearby structures, according to Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Spokesman Frank Roman.

A building next to Mannion's Irish Pub in Somerville also collapsed last night. More information to come.

In Bound Brook, two flood gates were closed around midnight. A flood gate on East Street and the Queens Bridge, which crosses the Raritan River between Bound Brook and South Bound Brook, was also closed.

Around 7 a.m. on Thursday, Bound Brook residents south of High Street were told to begin evacuating ASAP by police.

The Raritan River at Bound Brook is currently 41.8 feet high as of 8 a.m. Thursday and expected to rise to 42 feet which is the highest level recorded, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Locally the Millstone River at Millstone is at 21.82 feet high above the 16-foot mark for major flooding.

Somerset County has canceled all transportation and Senior Center services for Thursday.

"Residents are asked to shelter in place and not travel on the roads to allow emergency responders to assess and address damage due to the flooding," said Somerset County Spokesman Nathan Rudy.

Meal delivery residents are encouraged to use the frozen meals and heater meals delivered earlier in the season. The Office on Aging at 27 Warren Street will also be closed for walk-ins.

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