Maplewood Warns Residents About Upcoming Storm

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The township of Maplewood has issued an alert for residents now that the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Union counties from 8 p.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Rains from another recent storm — Tropical Depression Ida — caused floods that proved fatal to 30 New Jersey residents, including a Maplewood man, so the township is taking measures to warn residents again.

The township noted that rain totals could be significant.

"As a slow-moving coastal storm brings damaging winds and heavy rain to the area, the National Weather Service predicts roughly 2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain across the state," the town said. "Up to 4 inches of rain and flooding are possible, especially near creeks, streams, urban areas, and areas with poor drainage."

(For comparison, 5 inches to 9 inches of rain fell in North Jersey during Tropical Depression Ida, although it was over a shorter period of time).

"Rainfall rates may exceed one inch per hour at times," the township noted. "Residents in affected areas are asked to continue monitoring the forecast and remain prepared to take action if needed. Maplewood residents are asked to remain indoors and report instances of flooding to the Maplewood Police non-emergency line at 973-762-3400."

The National Weather Service said in its flood warning:

"From Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon. A rapidly developing low pressure system south of Long Island will likely produce heavy rainfall across the region. Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts are possible. Rainfall rates may exceed one inch per hour at times."

"Heavy rain may produce areas of flash flooding. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued."

Significant rains are also predicted Friday night into Saturday, as of now.

Check the local radar with this link.

The forecast for Essex County said:

Monday Night: A chance of rain and thunderstorms, then periods of rain and possibly a thunderstorm after 7pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 55. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.

Tuesday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 62. North wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tuesday Night: Rain likely before 8 p.m., then showers likely, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. North wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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