Thursday’s storms inundated northern New Jersey roads, while another period of rain is possible during the weekend.
JERSEY CITY, NJ – Emergency crews rescued 69 people from vehicles overtaken by flash flooding in Jersey City on Thursday as heavy rain and strong winds crossed northern New Jersey.
Responders moved through knee-high water and used small inflatable boats to reach stranded motorists, Mayor James Solomon reported. Images provided by the city showed flooded streets, rescue operations and storm-damaged trees.
The Associated Press reported the rescues Friday as part of a regional storm system that caused flooding in New Jersey and New York and tornado damage in parts of Long Island and Delaware.
Flooding was also reported in Newark, where video showed a stranded driver being moved to safety by raft. The available reports did not provide a complete statewide count of flooded vehicles or property damage.
Conditions improved Friday morning. The National Weather Service forecast for the Jersey City and Newark area called for mostly sunny conditions Friday, with northeast winds and gusts above 20 mph.
Another period of rain is possible Saturday into Sunday. The current National Weather Service forecast gives the area a 50% chance of showers Saturday afternoon and a 60% chance Saturday night, with one-half to three-quarters of an inch of additional rain possible Saturday night.
Drivers should not enter a flooded roadway or travel around barricades. The National Weather Service warns that 12 inches of moving water can carry away many passenger vehicles, while two feet can move sport utility vehicles and trucks.