Week In Review: Hurricane Irene Strikes Fair Lawn

Last Sunday, both Passaic and Saddle Rivers flash flooded from the torrential downpour Irene brought with her.

Here's a short summary of the events since then.

Monday, Aug 29 -

"Over the next couple days, the Passaic River -- which runs for 80 miles through seven New Jersey counties -- will slowly collect runoff from all over the state. As runoff collects, Passaic water levels will gradually rise until they peak Tuesday afternoon.

This slow increase in water levels will also mean a slow descent, Marks said. He predicted that the presence of flood-level waters from the Passaic would extend through Labor Day weekend, making the toll of Hurricane Irene's passage through Fair Lawn a 9-to-10 day event, all told.

Marks again urged all Passaic-side residents to evacuate their homes while they still could walk out their front doors and recommended they park their cars a few blocks down from their houses. For those who do not wish to evacuate yet, he stressed vigilance."

Tuesday, Aug. 30 -

"Water levels rose preciptiously over night and are wreaking havoc on Passaic-side houses. Parks supervisor Bob Young said it's the worst flooding he's seen in his 32 years in the department. 

Flood waters at Memorial Park have reached more than halfway up the green fencing that surrounds the park and water is spilling about 100 feet past the park's entrance gates and into the street. Yesterday, water had not even reached the entrance gates.

Streets both north and south of Berdan -- but not Berdan --have been ravaged by flood waters. Young said that water is spewing from different parts of the river. Berdan is blocked off but it has not flooded, Young said, because it sits sandwiched between the two areas where the Passaic is flooding from, so waters from both ends are convgering on Berdan but have not reached it."

Wednesday, Aug. 31 - 

"A Fair Lawn man inspecting his roof for storm-damage slipped and fell to his death Tuesday, Fair Lawn Police Sgt. Richard Schultz confirmed.

Rafi Chehirian, 59, of Saddle River Road, had climbed a ladder to his roof to check for storm-related damage when he apparently lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Chehirian was an accomplished artist who specialized in a process called Verre Eglomise, or reverse painting on glass. Some of his work is displayed on his website. 

In November, his craft work will be on display at the 35th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center."

Thursday, Sept. 1 - 

"Stagnant water pools around Fair Lawn are starting to clear as the Passaic slowly recedes, revealing previously hidden debris that needs to be cleaned up.

Depending on where you live, emergency management coordinator Ira Marks said that it could be anywhere from Friday to Monday before roads will be entirely clear of flood water."

"The first day of school for Memorial Middle School students will come a week or more later than the rest of the district this year, superintendent Bruce Watson confirmed Thursday.

Watson said water was up to the ceiling of the boiler room and into parts of the auditorium when he inspected the building Wednesday. The good news, he said, was that it had not penetrated hallways, classrooms or the school's gym.

Watson said he sent out automated phone calls to Memorial School parents last night informing them of his decision to delay opening the school, and will continue sending daily status updates until the water issue is resolved."

Friday, Sept. 2 -

"Federal Emergency Management Agency reps will stop briefly in Fair Lawn this weekend to survey damage and form assistance plans for the area.

The assessment follows President Barack Obama's declaration Wednesday that labeled New Jersey a major disaster area.

The declaration allows the federal government to award FEMA assistance to local residents, and state and municipal governments in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Somerset counties."

"All Memorial Pool members can visit either of the two Radburn pools from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Just bring your Memorial Pool badge (no guests admitted) and it's free.

If you want to swim past Sunday, then get to know Paramus. The Paramus Municipal Pool on Van Binsberger Boulevard will be open to Memorial Pool badgeholders through Labor Day weekend."