Flooding Reported In Montclair After Rainy Weather Wallops NJ

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Flooding hit Montclair on Monday after parts of New Jersey were walloped by rainy weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook and a Flood Watch that will remain in effect in the Essex County region until 5 p.m.

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A flash flood warning for Essex County hinted at the potential dangers for drivers and people who live in areas prone to flooding:

“Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low-lying spots.”

The prediction came true for parts of Montclair. A video posted to social media shows a completely flooded roadway near the Watchung Avenue Train Station. A car is apparently stranded in the waters, as its hazard lights flash and a police vehicle idles nearby.

The weather woes caused a 90-minute delayed opening at Montclair Kimberly Academy, which blamed “local flooding” at all three of its campuses.

Weather forecasters said it was "likely" that rivers and streams in North Jersey may flood during the coastal storm. Read More: 'Flood Outlook' Map Says North Jersey Rivers 'Likely' To Flood

According to the NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, water levels at two nearby rivers have risen above their typical ranges as of Monday.

The Third River at Bloomfield was at 6.22 feet at 8:05 a.m. The flood stage is 6 feet.

Meanwhile, the Peckman River at Verona was at 3.53 feet at 7:40 a.m. The flood stage is 3.5 feet.

MONTCLAIR WEATHER FORECAST

Here’s this week’s weather forecast for Montclair as of Monday morning, according to the NWS:

Today: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then a chance of rain between 1pm and 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Temperature falling to around 51 by 5pm. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 43. Northwest wind 11 to 14 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 45.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

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