WATCH NJ Transit Bus Head Through Hoboken Flood In Tropical Storm

HOBOKEN, NJ — The Hoboken Office of Emergency Management (OEM) issued an advisory on Friday afternoon, warning residents to avoid going outdoors or driving if possible. But some did so anyway, resulting in at least one stuck vehicle near the Hoboken ShopRite, a sometime flood area.

(See our VIDEO at the end of the story of a New York City-bound NJ Transit bus trying to drive around the car at approximately 6 p.m.)

There were two traffic cones at the south end of that block, at Ninth and Madison streets, but only on the southbound side, and no one was directing traffic.

Traffic cones blocking only the south exit to the 900 block of Madison Street, allowing vehicles to still enter going north.

A stuck car at 1000 Madison St., next to ShopRite. See video at end of story.

Other parts of Hoboken also flooded, including lower Clinton Street, where one dad posted video on Twitter asking a young child why an officer was apparently directing drivers toward flooding.

Flash flood watches were in effect throughout the day.

According to the OEM, the city’s flood pumps are operational, but low-lying areas in the city may be experiencing flooding. The OEM has placed barricades on certain streets, and is monitoring the situation for additional potential road closures.

The city of Hoboken had noted, in an alert Thursday night, that the National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warning for the New York Tri-State area for Friday and Saturday. They also included a list of streets that may flood (see below), saying residents don't have to move their cars, but the city wanted to give an advisory.

To track the storm, click on the National Hurricane Center website here.

As of Friday morning, Accuweather said the rain would start shortly before 10 a.m. and a tropical storm warning was in effect until 4:45 p.m.

Flash flood watch

A flash flood watch is in effect starting Friday morning through late Friday evening, meaning residents can suddenly get caught in a dangerous flood.

Severe storms, flooding and high winds are possible, and any intense rainfall of greater than 0.8 inch per hour may result in flash flooding in low-lying areas. 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/....

To get Hoboken breaking news alerts like this one when they happen, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

Residents should secure all loose objects outside or bring them inside, especially on balconies. Outdoor tents should be taken down depending on wind load. Driving could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Streets that may flood

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) and 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

The City of Hoboken and North Hudson Sewerage Authority are working together to clear clogged catch basins throughout the City. Please report flooded intersections and clogged drain inlets by calling the NHSA Hotline at 866.689.3970.

Please monitor local forecasts for additional advisories, watches, and warnings. The city of Hoboken will provide more information as the situation develops.

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

To read other local news in Hoboken, click here.

Eric Kiefer contributed to this coverage. Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. To keep up with breaking news in your town and statewide when it happens, and get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.