Hoboken Issues Guidance For Tuesday Morning Flood Watch

HOBOKEN, NJ — A flash flood watch is in effect from 2 p.m. Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday for Hudson County. In Hoboken, the city — which flooded this past Thursday and the previous Friday in low-lying areas — issued guidance in advance of the latest prediction.

While some may consider flash floods just an inconvenience, these floods have proved fatal to drivers (sometimes trapping parents and children) and people near even small streams.

The city of Hoboken released this information:

Please be advised that the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for regions in the tri-state area, including Hudson County from 2 p.m. today through early Tuesday morning. Heavy rain and strong thunderstorms are expected to develop. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are likely, with localized amounts over 4 inches possible. Any intense rainfall of greater than 0.8 inch per hour may result in flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Concert In The Park Canceled Tonight

The outdoor concert originally scheduled for tonight in Hoboken’s Southwest Resiliency Park has been postponed.

Secure Loose Objects

Residents should secure all furniture and loose objects outside or bring them inside, especially on balconies. Outdoor tents should be taken down depending on wind load.

Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, resulting in power outages. Please report power outages and downed wires to PSEG at https://nj.myaccount.pseg.com/....

Do not park in or drive through flood prone areas

Due to the likelihood of flooding in some areas, the Office of Emergency Management is taking precautions by putting no parking signs (“No Parking Signs” in these areas should be taken as advisories, cars will not be towed) or barricades near flood prone intersections.

Please do not drive around barricades. These intersections include:

• 1st and Marshall
• 1st and Harrison
• 2nd and Harrison
• 3rd and Harrison
• 4th and Harrison
• 4th and Monroe
• 3rd and Jackson
• 4th and Jackson
• 9th and Monroe
• 9th and Madison
• 10th and Madison
• 1st and Clinton
• 3rd and Clinton
• Henderson and Newark
• Grove and Newark

Please report flooded intersections and clogged drain inlets by calling the NHSA Hotline at 866.689.3970.

Limit Travel

If you do not have to travel, stay home and do not drive. If you must travel, use mass transit.

More Information From The City

Review the Hoboken Ready website and flyer available in English and Spanish.

Learn how Hoboken and NHSA prepare for, respond to, and recover from intense rainfall storms. Learn about Hoboken’s efforts to mitigate rainfall flooding.

Other Information From Patch And The National Weather Service

• Here is the statewide weather forecast from Patch: Severe Thunderstorms, Flash Flood Watch Issued In Parts Of NJ
• Here is the National Weather Service forecast for the area: Click here to get the most up-to-date forecast.
• The watch is also in effect for several other counties, but only until 5 a.m.: Sussex, Warren, Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset and Middlesex.
• The Hudson County OEM noted, "The best chance of strong storms is north of Interstate 195 with the weather service noting in its morning forecast discussion that the heaviest rain could fall overnight ... Hot, humid weather sticks around on Tuesday and Wednesday with additional threats of heavy rain and thunderstorms, though they don’t figure to be nearly as severe."
• The OEM advises residents to secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and lawn ornaments. Avoid known areas prone to flooding.

Famous Floods In Hoboken History

Last Thursday, the area experienced flash floods in advance of Tropical Storm Elsa, forcing New York subway commuters to wade to their trains and stranding shoppers in a parking lot in Hoboken that was surrounded on three sides by smelly water. Flash Flood Traps Shoppers In Hoboken Lot: It Happened That Fast

Last Thursday's storm arrived a week after the city of Hoboken and Hudson County Office of Emergency Management warned residents of a flash flooding threat in the area last Thursday and Friday. The subsequent storm flooded streets. The mayor said it was another "50-year storm." READ MORE: Friday's Flooding Was Another 50-Year Storm

However, the probabilities have changed recently, as severe storms are becoming more frequent.
In fact, the current Hurricane Elsa is the earliest E-named storm in modern weather history.

Want updates on important events like this, when they happen? You can sign up for occasional breaking news alerts in your town, and for a daily newsletter at 6 a.m. each morning with local news. Don't miss the stories your neighbors are talking about! Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.