Flood Watch Remains In Effect For Union County As More Heavy Rain Heads To Area

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County residents are being urged to prepare for another round of heavy rain after local officials warned that additional storms could bring flooding, power outages and hazardous travel conditions.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through early Tuesday morning, with forecasters warning that multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms could produce 2 to 4 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible. Officials said flash flooding could develop in low-lying areas, along creeks and streams, and on roads prone to flooding.

The warning comes as many communities continue recovering from Friday's severe storms.

In Scotch Plains, the Office of Emergency Management said several inches of rain are possible, even though winds are not expected to be as strong as those seen during Friday's storm. Officials warned that downed trees, power lines, localized flooding and additional power outages remain possible.

Residents are being urged to avoid driving or walking through flooded roadways and to stay away from downed power lines, fallen trees and damaged utility wires. Officials also reminded residents to report power outages directly to PSE&G to help restoration crews respond more quickly.

In Clark, Raritan Road at Oak Ridge Road has reopened after utility pole repairs, power restoration efforts and the removal of a large fallen tree that had blocked the roadway. Township officials said residents should continue using caution because storm debris remains in some areas.

In Cranford, police advised drivers that a power outage on North Avenue from Springfield Avenue west into Garwood was affecting traffic Monday while PSE&G crews made emergency repairs. Motorists were asked to follow posted detours as police assisted with traffic control.

Summit officials also reported that more than 1,300 JCP&L customers remained without power as of Sunday evening, with restoration efforts continuing.

Officials across Union County are encouraging residents to monitor local weather forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and report emergencies by calling 911.