Weather
4 Dead In Essex County After Ida, Governor Says: Storm Updates
Tropical Storm Ida took a tragic toll on Essex County, where four people died and at least one is missing, Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Tropical Storm Ida has taken a tragic toll on Essex County, where four people have died and at least one is missing, Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday.
Murphy said that 25 New Jerseyans have lost their lives to the storm, which ravaged towns across the state on Wednesday night and left nightmarish flooding in its wake. “Our thoughts and prayers are with every family and community mourning a loved one,” he said.
The governor didn’t provide any details on what towns or cities the other deceased were from in Essex County. >> Subscribe to Patch newsletters for local storm updates here
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A Maplewood man was found deceased Thursday amid the floodwaters. Authorities said it’s believed that he may have been attempting to remove debris from drains in the area, and was suddenly swept up into dangerous flood waters. Read More: Man Found Dead In Maplewood Floodwaters Morning After Storm Ida
Bloomfield officials reported Thursday that a local resident died amid the storm. Read More: Fatality Reported In Essex County As New Jersey Reels From Ida
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Other fatality totals reported by the governor's office as of Friday include:
- Bergen County - 1
- Hunterdon County - 6
- Mercer County - 1
- Middlesex County - 3
- Passaic County - 1
- Somerset County - 4
- Union County - 5
There are other residents who have been reported missing, including one in Essex County, Murphy said. Read More: Seton Hall Student Missing Amid Ida Flooding
I am deeply saddened to report an additional two fatalities as a result of Tropical Storm Ida, bringing our statewide total to 25 losses of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with every family and community mourning a loved one.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 3, 2021
STORM UPDATES IN ESSEX COUNTY
In addition to the lives lost, the storm and flooding devastated scores of local homeowners, as well as businesses and nonprofits around the county.
Millburn’s small business community was particularly hard-hit, Murphy noted. Read More: Millburn Continues Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Ida
Just surveyed flood damage from Tropical Storm Ida in downtown Millburn. Millburn’s small business community was absolutely crushed by this storm, and recovering and rebuilding will require economic support. We will be there. pic.twitter.com/qpw02AKEPY
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 3, 2021
Catch up with some other recent developments in Essex County below (click headlines to read).
Video Shows Newark Airport Flooding In Storm; Flights Suspended
Animals Didn't Escape Turtle Back Zoo In Storm, Official Says
Daring Flood Rescue In Livingston Makes Cops, Firefighters Proud
Bloomfield Business 'Ruined' In Storm Sees Outpouring Of Love
Montclair Schools Damaged In Storm; 'Ida's Wrath' Hits Hard
Power Of Flood On Full Display In The Caldwells (VIDEOS)
Some Flooding At East Orange Animal Shelter, But Dogs Are Safe
Video Footage Shows Newark Airport Flooding After 'Biblical' Rain https://t.co/ZRjccKFQHQ
— PatchEssexCountyNJ (@EK_Patch) September 2, 2021
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