'Numerous Cars Underwater': Officials Recap Busy Night Post-Ida

MAHWAH, NJ — Flood waters are receding in some parts of the township on Thursday after Tropical Depression Ida pummeled the region, bringing flash flooding to North Jersey and a tornado to South Jersey.

But Mahwah officials say despite things having settled down, residents aren't out of the woods yet.

Mayor Jim Wysocki issued a statement on Thursday morning urging residents to stay off the roads as first responders were still needed to provide assistance. Additionally, he added, the Ramapo River had not crested.

"There are many residents who lost almost everything as a result of the storm," he added.

Mahwah Rescue 1 also issued an update on the status of floodwaters on Thursday, stating that they had receded in many areas of the township, but were still rising near the river.

"Do not drive around barricades. Especially along the 202 corridor," officials added.

The rescue team was busy not only in Mahwah, but in nearby Rockland, where first responders needed to break out their fan boat to aid residents who were stranded.

Officials reported that "numerous cars" were underwater while the township dealt with "severe" flooding.

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Though most of the day was spent helping others, the team also had to deal with problems of their own, as the firehouse flooded as well.

County rainfall totals reported by the National Weather Service show that some areas of Bergen County received more than 8 inches of rain, with Mahwah reportedly receiving 3.8 as of 6:15 a.m., according to NWS data.

County Executive Jim Tedesco issued a local state of emergency, urging residents near rivers especially to stay home, as "many roadways are still flooded and closed."

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