Flooding, Stranded Cars Reported In Newark; Stormy Weather Wallops NJ

NEWARK, NJ — Flooding and reports of stranded drivers hit Newark 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 the county.

Reports of stranded drivers and rescues from emergency responders were seen in Newark, with video footage showing stalled cars surrounded by water near Meeker Avenue and Elizabeth Avenue, according to ABC 7 News. A photo shared to social media shows first responders rescuing drivers from flooded roads in Newark.

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

Newark city officials previously shared a list of local roadways in the city that should be avoided during heavy rainstorms due to the possibility of flooding (article continues below).

FLOODED RIVERS

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.

The situation wasn't as urgent at the Passaic River in Newark, where the water was at 4.44 feet as of 8:30 a.m. The flood stage is 7.3 feet.

NEWARK WEATHER FORECAST

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

Today: Rain, mainly before 1pm. Temperature falling to around 51 by 5pm. Breezy, with a south wind 11 to 16 mph becoming west 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 44. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 46.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

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