Storm In Hoboken Causes Floods; Twitter Photos Document The Mess

HOBOKEN, NJ — Predictions of heavy rain in Hoboken as a part of Tropical Depression Florence – as well as possible flooding – unfortunately came true for the city on Tuesday.

After weather forecasts began warning of “severe” flash flooding throughout North Jersey on Monday and Tuesday, Hoboken city officials released their own alert via Nixle:

“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… Due to the potential for heavy winds, please remove all loose items from balconies, roof decks, and front stoops. The City of Hoboken and North Hudson Sewerage Authority have worked together to clear clogged catch basins throughout the City. To report a clogged catch basin, please call the NHSA Hotline: 201-963-6043.”

According to city officials, the “flood-prone intersections” included: 4th and Monroe; 6th and Jackson; 6th and Harrison; 9th and Monroe; 9th and Madison; 10th and Madison; 3rd and Jackson; 1st and Clinton; 3rd and Clinton; Henderson and Newark; Grove Street and Newark.

And then on Tuesday – as predicted – the deluge arrived.

HobokenWeather.com reported that the storm brought 1.35 inches of rain in just over 30 minutes. “Thankfully there will be a brief break to allow our poor bathtub of a city to drain,” their Twitter post quipped.

“Due to flash flooding, barricades have been deployed to the designated areas, plus 1st and Harrison,” Hoboken municipal officials announced Tuesday morning.

The Hoboken Fire Department released the following social media alert:

“Flooded streets, power outages, cars stranded in floodwater, dislodged manhole covers, people trapped in elevators, fire alarm activations, etc... HFD is answering the call for service. If needed, contact us at 201-420-2004.”

Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante also provided details about the flooding situation:

“There have been some exceptionally heavy rains in the area causing flooding on Jersey Ave, Henderson Street and Grove and a vehicle is stuck under one of those trestles right now. I was just in the same traffic. @HobokenPD traffic is trying to reroute drivers.”

Across Hoboken, reports of waterlogged streets poured in.

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Photo: @RyanCangialosi (used with permission)