Severe flooding soaks Essex County, roads are impassable (photos/videos)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A severe storm dumped several inches of rain across Essex County on Sunday and caused severe flash flooding across the region — and the freak weather may not be over yet.

The storm drenched the region with a sudden downpour. Rain gauge readings reported to the National Weather Service (NWS) ranged from 2.5 to 4 inches over the past 24 hours. Local readings included:

• GW3934 Cedar Grove – 3.31
• FW0683 Livingston – 4.01
• Maplewood Twp 0.9 SE – 3.47
• FW3790 Millburn – 2.88
• W2IRT West Caldwell – 2.71
• EW1297 West Orange – 2.77

According to the National Water Prediction Service, three rivers flowing through Essex County rose above their flood stage: The Passaic River in Newark rose to 7.74 feet at 7:36 p.m. (flood stage is 7.3 feet); the Third River in Bloomfield rose to 6.79 feet at 7:40 p.m. (flood stage is 6 feet); the Peckman River in Verona rose to 4.33 feet at 7:25 p.m. (flood stage is 3.5 feet).

According to the NWS, thunderstorms with flash flooding and damaging wind gusts are possible Monday evening. NWS meteorologists have issued a hazardous weather forecast for the entire Essex County region.

Read some local reports about flooding in Essex County below. This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

BELLEVILLE

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham posted a message on social media about the flooding, urging people to stay off the roads – and out of the water.

“Additional personnel for police, fire brigade and DPW [are] already in and more [are] on the way,” said the mayor (see photo above).

Melham also noted that “all departments are currently conducting water rescues.”

BLOOMFIELD

Bloomfield has been hit hard by flooding, according to videos and photos posted on social media. Flooding was reported in Brookside Park, Bloomfield Station, near Watsessing Avenue at Franklin Street, Beardsley Avenue, Charles Street and Hoover Avenue, among other areas.

Several videos show abandoned cars in floodwaters while people wade through the street in water up to their waists – some of them were busy emptying rainwater basins.

Bloomfield Mayor Ted Gamble released a message about the flooding, reporting that large amounts of rain had fallen in a very short period of time, causing flooding throughout the community.

“Police, fire and DPW are responding to numerous incidents and many roads have been closed,” Gamble said. “Please stay indoors if possible and avoid the roads.”

Gamble provided an update on Monday morning:

“I hope everyone made it through the storm. Our first responders worked throughout the storm to address immediate concerns and safety issues. Crews are back out this morning clearing debris from the storm. If you have a non-emergency issue, please call Bloomfield's non-emergency number. We still have a long way to go to improve stormwater mitigation, and any solutions will take time as we deal with aging infrastructure and an increase in weather events due to climate change. In the meantime, we can work together and help our neighbors and local businesses.”

Bloomfield police also warned of flooding and advised drivers to turn around and seek an alternative route if they encounter a flooded road.

Parking across the street will not be allowed in Bloomfield on Monday due to flooding, police said. It will reopen on Wednesday, August 21.

Anthony's Cheesecake and Restaurant shared video of flooding on Washington Street (article continues below).

“Here we go again… we pray for the best,” the restaurant said in a post.

EAST ORANGE

Severe flooding occurred at the corner of Thomas and Dodd streets in East Orange, with one social media user describing the situation as a “new lake.”

IRVINGTON

Flooding caused headaches in a residential area of ​​Irvington near Exit 144 on the Garden State Parkway: A social media user posted a video showing a torrent of water cascading down stairs and onto the street.

LIVINGSTON

In Livingston, a social media user posted a video of himself behind the wheel of a car showing a completely flooded street as the vehicle slowly crawled along.

MILLBURN

A sinkhole was reported on Old Hollow Road and several roads were closed, Millburn city officials said.

“Follow all diversions and traffic signs,” the officers demanded. “Do not bypass existing barriers.”

MONTCLAIR

Several streets in Montclair were flooded on Sunday evening.

According to social media reports, the flooded areas included Pine Street, Claremont Avenue, Gordonhurst Avenue, Church/South Park Street and the Porter Park area.

William Scheckel posted a photo taken at 7:30 p.m. from the porch of his home in the 100 block of Pine Street.

“There are several cars stuck between Walnut and Claremont,” Scheckel wrote. “A police car is on the scene assisting, but more cars are coming. Avoid this road.”

NEWARK

In Newark, people shared photos and video footage of flooding at 1st and Roseville Avenue, Park Avenue, 9th Street and 18th Avenue, and several other locations.

According to an update from the Newark Water and Sewer Department on Monday morning, cleanup crews were out and about exploring the city.

“If flooding continues in your area, please call our emergency dispatch center at (973) 733-3874 or (973) 733-3654/3655 for after-hours emergencies,” city officials advised.

“The ongoing situation is completely unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of residents and businesses in the area,” one frustrated resident reported on social media. “It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this urgent issue.”

“These floods are insane, Newark is in a bad place right now,” commented another internet user.

WEST ORANGE

A township spokesperson said there had been numerous reports on social media of localized, temporary flooding in West Orange, making travel difficult at times.

There was initially no information as to whether there were any flood-related road closures, water rescues or other related incidents in the municipality.

A social media user posted videos of a road along the Garden State Parkway where several vehicles appear to be stranded in floodwaters.

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