Crime & Safety
NJ Emergency Management Warns of 'Potential Flood Conditions'
Heavy rainfall is expected through today, which may cause flood conditions in parts of Northern NJ.
If you want sunshine, take the next plane to Florida, because you're going to need an umbrella for the next few days. A wet and soggy week continues and forecasters are saying that rain will continue at least through Friday.
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is urging state residents to monitor weather conditions over the next several days. A slow-moving, low pressure system is expected to generate large amounts of rainfall in some areas, particularly in the northern part of the state. The heaviest rainfall is expected through today. Flooding could continue in some areas through Friday.
According to the National Weather Service, Berkeley Heights and Mountainside will have periods of heavy rain, with a possible thunderstorm today. Between today and tonight, the area could see between one to three inches of rainfall.
Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Be alert and be prepared for adverse conditions,” advises State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes, Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. “Heavy rain can cause flash flooding. If you are asked to evacuate or take other protective actions, follow the advice of emergency officials."
Be on the watch for falling limbs and power loss situations, which residents should be prepared for.
Find out what's happening in New Providence-Berkeley Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Mountainside police captain Richard Osieja advises motorists to drive a little slower then normally and be aware of flooding along Route 22, especially in the right lanes of traffic (closest to shoulder) due to clogged catch basins from debris which blocks the water flow from entering the storm sewer grates and creates the flooding issues.
"After going thru large puddles pump your brakes several times to make sure they're working properly," said Osieja. "Increase your follow distance from vehicle in front of you so you have enough time to react."
To stay informed of potential flood threats, or to keep track of current weather forecasts and alerts, check out:
- The official website of the National Weather Service: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management Website: www.ready.nj.gov
- NJ Alert text messaging system: www.njalert.gov
- NJOEM on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Jersey-Office-of-Emergency-Management
- NJOEM Twitter: https://twitter.com/NJS
