Newark Storm Update: Ida Wallops City, Here’s The Latest

NEWARK, NJ — Newark safety officials had warned that things could get messy as the remnants of Tropical Storm Ida passed through New Jersey. And on Wednesday night, weather forecasters’ predictions proved correct – unfortunately.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency across New Jersey Wednesday night as Tropical Storm Ida wreaked havoc, spawning powerful tornadoes and significant flash flooding from south to north. Read More: 1 Dead As Flooding Traps Drivers, Tornadoes Devastate New Jersey

“Last night’s thunderstorms were historic and proved extremely challenging for the City of Newark,” Mayor Ras Baraka said. “I am grateful that no injuries have been reported and we are committed to providing assistance to our residents who are in need at this time.”

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Flooding was seen across Newark, with videos of the rushing waters spreading quickly on the internet.

In Newark, public safety officials said that due to anticipated heavy rainfall, many streets may be flooded and should be avoided. It's a warning that dozens of drivers didn't heed during the last storm – and this one, as well.

Members of the Newark Department of Public Safety rescued 485 people trapped in flooded areas throughout the city, authorities reported. A total of 185 abandoned vehicles required removal from Newark roadways.

The rescues included the assist of 215 passengers trapped on a NJ Transit train that lost power at Toler Place near Newark Airport at 2:50 a.m.

“During the NJ Transit rescue, firefighters determined that the best course of action was to protect the riders in place since there was no safe location to evacuate them,” Public Safety Director Brian O’Hara said. “Once the water was low enough, NJ Transit sent a rescue train and reloaded the passengers.”

• See related article: Newark Battens Down For Storm; Avoid These Roads, Officials Say

Meanwhile, flooding temporarily suspended all flights at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday night.

A video posted by Twitter user @mikeybrasi87 showed a "swimming pool" at the ground level of Terminal B. Read More: Video Shows Airport Flooding In Storm After ‘Biblical’ Rain

The storm took down wires and caused power outages across the state, including Newark. At the height of the storm, about 24,000 residents lost power, city officials said.

As of 10 a.m. on Thursday, there were still 1,882 PSE&G customers in Newark without power and 60 outages, according to the company’s online map.

PSE&G said that “extensive flooding, hazardous conditions and inaccessible roadways” hampered their efforts to get the power flowing again. For example, crews were unable to work in bucket trucks to make repairs in high winds.

“We are working with local first responders to physically get our teams to the hardest hit areas as safely and quickly as possible,” spokespeople said Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, reports of storm damage continued to emerge across the city.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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