2 Dead, Homes Destroyed, Dozens Pulled From NJ Flood Waters: Latest Updates

Two people are dead, "countless" homes and cars destroyed and dozens of water rescues were performed as a fast-moving storm battered the Garden State from Monday night into Tuesday morning.

The City of Plainfield saw two deaths after a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the flooding, according to Queen City Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. The victims have not been identified at this time pending notification of next of kin, officials said.

STATE OF EMERGENCY

All 21 of the state's counties are under a State of Emergency Tuesday morning due to the weather conditions and damage to the roads. The Department of Transportation has advised everyone to "avoid unnecessary travel."

“I urge New Jerseyans to exercise caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Governor Phil Murphy said of his declaration that went into effect at 8 p.m. Monday.

Some of the Areas Hit Hardest:

North Plainfield

North Plainfield Police Chief Alan McKay said countless homes were destroyed in the storm, one of them obliterated in an explosion, which was reported at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday morning.

"On arrival police officers found the home fully engulfed in flames. The explosion appears to have been the result of a gas leak," McKay said. "Luckily the home appears to have been empty and no victims were located."

Homes Destroyed, Dozens Pulled From The Flood Waters As Storm Overwhelms Somerset County

According to the North Plainfield Police Department, approximately 40 residents were rescued from the major floods. They are currently being housed in the Vermule Community Center located at 614 Greenbrook Road. The Red Cross will be providing food, water, and clothes, according to police.

Officials said around 40 abandoned vehicles have already been towed away, and workers are continuing to try and clear up roadways.

“Roads continue to remain closed and unpassable due to structural damage and or debris, including wires and tree limbs,” officials said. “Residents are asked to remain indoors and to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel can start the cleanup process.

Bridgewater

Bridgewater was also practically submerged last night as a result of the major flooding. The Bridgewater Police Department is asking members of the public to assist in identifying major flood damage.

“Due to the heavy rain yesterday, several areas in the Township experienced flash flooding,” A Bridgewater police statement read. “The Department of Public Works is actively assessing conditions across our roads and infrastructure.”

Authorities ask that citizens report the following to the Bridgewater Department of Public Works:

• Flood-related damage to roads or public property
• Blocked storm drains or culverts
• Debris or fallen limbs in roadways
• Washed-out shoulders or sidewalks

Hoboken

The low-lying, flood-prone city of Hoboken saw several streets flooded overnight.

The "Rebuild by Design" state infrastructure flooding deterrent project did aid the conditions on both ends of the town where storm surge barriers are being built. Still, some streets saw flooding, and the city's Office of Emergency Management deployed added barriers in different locations.

MORE FROM PATCH: As Hoboken Streets Flood, Mayor Says To Stay Home And Off Roads (Photos)

Ridgewood

The Saddle River rising placed the town under high alert Monday night, prompting police to warn everyone in the area of down-stream flooding and another five inches of upstream accumulation,

At one point, a rain gauge in upper Saddle River placed the height of the water at more than four feet.

Video Credit: Ro Schaeffer

Video Credit: Ro Schaeffer

MORE FROM PATCH: Some Roads Close In Ridgewood As Saddle River Rises Amid Storm: Police

MAJOR ROAD CLOSURES

Route 22 is closed in both directions between Washington Avenue in Green Brook and Terrill Road in Watchung, Somerset County, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

According to officials, there is “severe damage” in four sections on Route 22. The flooding resulted in major roadways buckling and heaving, a median barrier being carried away in the water, and a slew of debris covering the highway.

Additionally, there are abandoned cars stranded along roadways.

Route 22 eastbound closed Monday night around 9 p.m. due to major flood damage around Jefferson Avenue in Green Brook. Other significantly damaged areas include mile post 43.5 west of West End Avenue/Cardinal Lane in North Plainfield, mile post 44.7 at Somerset Street in North Plainfield, and mile post 46.5 west of Terrill Road in Watchung.

Sections of Route 28 were also heavily damaged by the floods and are closed. According to the NJDOT, Route 28 is closed in both directions between Mountain Avenue in Bridgewater, Somerset County, and Warrenville Road in Dunellen, Middlesex County.

It is unclear when the roadways will be reopened, according to NJDOT.

NJ Weather And Safety Updates

Track The Storm

• More Rain In Forecast After Deadly Flooding Monday In NJ: Latest Updates
• Keep an eye on the radar here.
• Check out the Accuweather Minutecast here.
• See a current map of all watches and warnings in New Jersey here.
• The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) keeps us informed about larger weather events. Follow them here.

MORE FROM PATCH: NJ Proposing New Height Rules For Flood Zone Construction