Flood Debris Collection Begins, As More Rain Predicted In Wayne

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Township is making a special collection for flood debris this week, after water levels have receded and many residents are able to return to, or emerge from, their water-soaked homes.

And there is more rain on the way, with the National Weather Service predicting at least another inch of precipitation in Wayne by Thursday morning.

Most roads have reopened, after heavy rain at the beginning of last week caused the Passaic and Pompton rivers to rise above flood stage and make dozens of local streets impassable. There are still some closures as of Tuesday morning, including on Fayette Avenue, Hobson Avenue, Riverlawn Drive, Market Street, Meadow Road Main Road, West Road, and River Road.

Last week, Mayor Christopher Vergano said that first responders helped more than 100 people evacuate from their homes, and at least 17 pets. Several dozen people were also rescued from their waterlogged vehicles, he added.

Collection of debris begins on Tuesday, Dec. 26 in the Old Wayne section of town, said township officials. This is a separate collection from trash and recycling pickup, which will happen as scheduled, according to a notice from the township.

Flood debris must be sorted into the following categories and placed in separate piles at the curb line or edge of the roadway:

• Non-metal items including furniture, mattresses, clothing, and other household items
• Metal items and appliances such as washer, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, exercise equipment, grill, lawn equipment and other items
• Electronic waste including computers, televisions, and monitors

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According to forecasters with the National Weather Service, the state is in for wet weather for the rest of the week, but the heaviest rain is anticipated to arrive late Tuesday into Wednesday.

The rain could lead to minor flooding Wednesday into Thursday, with areas that flood easily vulnerable, though that will ease as the rain tapers off.

Temperatures will remain in the low 50s through Friday and lows in the low 40s, making fog possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday.

Here is an extended forecast for Wayne Township from the NWS:

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain, mainly after midnight. Patchy fog after 8pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 42. Light east wind.

Wednesday: Rain, mainly after 9am. High near 50. East wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Rain, mainly before 2am. Steady temperature around 49. East wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49.

Friday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.