Newark To Drivers: Beware Flooding In Wake Of Hurricane Florence

NEWARK, NJ — Newark public safety authorities are asking drivers to beware of potential flooding on several local streets on Monday and Tuesday. The Newark Department of Public Safety (NDPS) issued its alert in advance of possible heavy rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Florence.

According to the NDPS:

“The storm is capable of producing 1 to 2 inches of rain in our area with strong winds. Between 3 to 5 inches of rain could result due to a storm system shift, resulting in a more significant threat of flash flooding.”

The NDPS stated:

“Because motorists can become stranded by driving through flooded streets and high water, drivers are asked to avoid these locations and to use alternative routes. Drivers are also discouraged from traveling through any streets that are flooded, have high water or are believed to be flooded.”

Recent street flooding in Newark during storms has routinely left drivers in need of rescue after they became stranded in their vehicles.

• See related article: Newark Fire Crews Rescue Dozens Of Flood Victims (PHOTOS)
• See related article: Newark Streets Flood; Firefighters Use Boats To Rescue Drivers

The Department of Public Safety stated that it is coordinating responses to burglar alarms, flooding conditions and other weather-related incidents through the combined use of police, fire and Office of Emergency Management personnel.

Special attention should be given to unsecured outdoor furniture, awnings, refuse and building materials, NDPS officials stated.

“For fire safety, please utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to this weather event,” Newark authorities stated.

The following locations should be avoided due to flooding conditions or the potential for flooding, officials said:

• Clay Street and McCarter Highway
• South Street and Van Buren Street
• Jefferson and Chestnut Streets
• State Street near Broad Street
• Jabez and Backus Streets
• 357 Wilson Avenue
• Manufacturers Place and Hyatt Street
• Magazine Street and Avenue L
• Avenue L and Wilson Avenue
• Ferry and Foundry Streets
• Norfolk Street
• Orange Street
• Nesbitt Street
• McClellan and Frelinghuysen Avenue, and
• Frelinghuysen Avenue and the Route 21 underpass

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File Photo: Newark firefighters respond to flooding in 2017 (NDPS)