Bridgewater Declares State Of Emergency: Rivers, Roadways Flooded

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — 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."

Multiple roads in the township are closed as of Wednesday night including Milltown Road and Old York Road. Both roads will remain closed through the morning due to flooding.

Police are warning residents not to travel and to turn around when there is a flooded roadway.

Somerset County also pleaded with residents to stay home as first responders across the entire county were overwhelmed. Read More: Stay Off The Roads: Somerset County First Responders Overwhelmed

As of 1 a.m. on Thursday, the North Branch Raritan River on the Bridgewater and Branchburg border is at 16.84 feet high but is predicted to rise to 17.5 feet high by 4 a.m. on Thursday. That is above the major flooding mark of 15 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The record flood height for that river is 19 feet, according to NOAA.

The Somerset County Emergency Operations Center is also planning to take action and close two flood gates in Bound Brook due to predicted flooding on the Raritan and Millstone Rivers.

The Raritan River in Bound Brook is currently at 31.9 feet high as of 1 a.m. Thursday. It is predicted to rise to 37.5 feet high by 2 p.m. on Thursday, which is above major flooding at 33 feet, according to NOAA.

"In anticipation of flash flooding and to protect residents, businesses and properties in Bound Brook, Somerset County Public Works is planning to close the flood gate on East Street at 8 a.m. on Thursday," said the county.

The Queens Bridge, which crosses the Raritan River between Bound Brook and South Bound Brook, may also need to be closed at 9 a.m. Thursday.

A flash flood watch remains in effect through Saturday afternoon in some areas.

Just over 4,500 Bridgewater residents are without power as of 1 a.m. Thursday, according to PSE&G. Power is expected to be restored by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Have any storm photos, videos or tips? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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