Mayor: "Unprecedented Amount of Water" Coming

Mayor Ann Subziri advised borough residents who already have water to leave their homes and businesses before the arrival of even more water, expected to arrive by Sunday evening.

Subrizi said even those who do not have water currently may still get water. She said the amount of water coming is "unprecedented" and residents who evacuated should not attempt to return to their homes and those who remained should evacuate now if they are in flood prone areas.

The Hirschfeld Brook overflowed its banks rapidly, rising into the first floor of several homes that border the brook. Residents were being taken by boat from Washington and Lenox. River Road is closed from Main Street through that entire area. 

The NMPD and NMFD were going door to door on Columbia and Harvard Streets, evacuating residents. Residents who chose to remain were told by officials there was no guarantee of rescue later when conditions worsen. 

Crowds gathered to watch the evacuations and many took photos and videos on their phones. Residents of the affected homes comforted each other and huddled together awaiting information from loved ones who remained inside. Some family members pleaded with authorities to force their friends and family members out--currently the evacuation order is still voluntary so no one can be forced to leave, according to police.

Stay tuned for further updates.