Rivers Rise In Newark, Bloomfield, Verona: Flood Worries Continue

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Flooding was reported across New Jersey this week after a winter storm dumped several inches of rain across the state. And worries of more water woes to come continue in Essex County, where three local rivers saw spikes above their “flood stages” on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service provides updates on water levels at spots along the Passaic River in Newark, the Third River in Bloomfield and the Peckman River in Verona.

The water level at the three rivers began to rise on Tuesday after the storm hit, and continued to swell over the next 24 hours, NWS data shows.

NEWARK

The flood stage of the Passaic River at Newark is 7.3 feet. The river hit 8.68 feet at 8:06 a.m. on Wednesday.

As of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, the water level was at 2.41 feet.

THIRD RIVER IN BLOOMFIELD

The flood stage of the Third River at Bloomfield is 6 feet. The river hit 6.17 feet early Wednesday morning.

As of 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, the water level was at 2.05 feet.

PECKMAN RIVER IN VERONA

The flood stage of the Peckman River at Verona is 3.5 feet. The river hit 3.75 feet late Tuesday evening.

As of 12:05 p.m. on Thursday, the water level was below a foot-deep.

Each of the above rivers have seen flooding during severe storms in the past.

The Passaic River winds across nearly 80 miles of North Jersey, flowing through several counties until it joins the Hackensack River at the northern end of Newark Bay. Along the way, it passes by Essex County municipalities including Belleville, Nutley and Newark, with several other towns located within its watershed.

The Third River – also known as the Yantacaw River – passes through several Essex County towns including Montclair, Bloomfield and Nutley, eventually entering the Passaic River near the border of Nutley and Clifton. See Related: NJ Officials Tour Flood Sites Along Third River

The Peckman River starts in West Orange and flows northeast through the townships of Verona, Cedar Grove and Little Falls until it meets the Passaic River in Woodland Park.

After Hurricane Ida hit in 2021, the three rivers swelled, adding another layer of anxiety for the residents and business owners already struggling with devastating flood damage.

• See Related: In Ida's Wake: Drone Captures Videos Of 2 Rivers In Essex County

THURSDAY UPDATE

Flood waters continued to pose a problem in some parts of the county on Thursday.

With more rain expected to come to the region this weekend, Gov. Phil Murphy paid a visit to nearby Little Falls to take a look at flooding on the Passaic River, a short distance from the Newark measuring point.

The outlook in Little Falls was urgent, where the Passaic River was at 9.36 feet at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday – well above the 7-foot flood stage.

The Passaic River measurements at Pine Brook are just as concerning, with water levels expected to rise to 21.7 feet on Sunday – nearly three feet above the 19-foot flood stage.

Officials in multiple Essex County towns have been warning about high water levels at local rivers and streams, including Bloomfield and Montclair.

• See Related: Drivers Rescued From Flooded Roads In Belleville Amid Storm

The Roseland Police Department reported that Eagle Rock Avenue was shut down from Eisenhower Parkway up to the East Hanover border, adding that the bridge over the Passaic River was closed due to flooding conditions.

In Fairfield, public safety officials noted that New Jersey is still under a state of emergency.

“The Passaic River is nearing its first predicted crest and is currently at 20.74 feet,” the Fairfield Office of Emergency Management said. “The most recent predictions using the Pinebrook River gauge indicate that the river will continue to rise slightly today reaching a crest of 21.1 feet later this evening.”

• See Related: This NJ Law Could Battle Flooding. So Why Isn't Anyone Using It?

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