Newark Streets Flood; Firefighters Use Boats To Rescue Drivers

NEWARK, NJ — Newark emergency responders rescued at least six people from flooded areas in the Ironbound district near the Passaic River, city officials reported Monday. The rescues took place as heavy rains pounded many parts of the state.

The Newark Fire Department Urban Water Rescue Unit came to the aid of several drivers that became trapped in their vehicles when the pouring rain caused flooding in the city on Monday, public safety officials said.

“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,” the Newark Department of Public Safety (NDPS) stated shortly after 10 a.m.

“Drivers are discouraged from traveling through any streets that are flooded, have high water or are believed to be flooded,” Newark authorities added.

According to the NDPS:

“The Department of Public Safety 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.”

The following locations should be avoided due to flooding conditions or the potential for flooding, authorities 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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The weather also affected travel at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday, officials reported.

According to Port Authority officials:

"EWR is reporting 97 canceled and 202 delayed flights and due to T-storm. The FAA is reporting average arrival delays of 2 hours & 40 minutes. Please confirm your flight status before coming to the airport and leave additional travel time."

Statewide, more than 3,000 were without power Monday, and a flash flood watch and flood warnings were in effect throughout the state.

• See related article: NJ Weather: Flooding, Power Outages, 50-MPH Winds, Thunderstorms
• See related article: JFK Parkway Closed In Millburn Due To Flooding: 4/16
• See related article: More Than 1100 Without Power In Livingston As Storm Rocks NJ

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Photo: Newark Department of Public Safety