State Of Emergency Declared After Flash Floods Inundate NJ Towns

Serious flooding across parts of New Jersey prompted the governor to declare a State of Emergency Monday evening. "I am declaring a State of Emergency given flash flooding and high levels of rainfall in parts of the state," Gov. Phil Murphy said in a post on X just after 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The governor advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Several Towns Experience Dangerous Flooding Conditions

The declaration came as serious flooding was reported in parts of the state, including in Plainfield (see video) and Watchung, where floodwaters inundated the streets, including on Rt. 22.

This video of flooding on the streets of New Providence was shared via social media. Residents also reported flooded streets in Garwood. Reports of serious flooding were also coming in from Rahway, where photos show submerged cars along a residential street.

Radar indicates more than 6 inches of rain fell in Union County and surrounding areas in a matter of hours, according to New York Metro Weather.

6:30pm: A serious situation developing in Union County, NJ and some surrounding areas. Local law enforcement reports flash flooding and radar shows rainfall totals exceeding 6”. A reminder to take warnings seriously and to never attempt to drive through flood waters. pic.twitter.com/2IgHOJYsv7
— New York Metro Weather (@nymetrowx) July 14, 2025

Residents Told To Shelter In Place As Roads Become Unsafe

A shelter in place was issued across Somerset County; all residents were told to stay indoors as road conditions continued to deteriorate.

"Community members, including businesses should continue to shelter in place. Road conditions are still unsafe," Watchung Police said.

NJ Transit said it was also experiencing service disruptions due to the weather. "NJ Transit train and light rail services are experiencing service impacts systemwide due to weather-related conditions. Several bus routes are subject to detours due to flooding," the agency said.

Roadways Closed Due To Flooding

Multiple road closures were reported due to flooding, including:

• 7:24 p.m.: US 22 in both directions from Terrill Rd in Watchung to Glenside Av in Scotch Plains Twp. All lanes closed.
• 8:09 p.m.: NJ 35 northbound North of Birchwood Dr in Old Bridge Twp. All lanes closed.
• 8:30 p.m.: US 22 eastbound East of CR 529/Washington Ave in Green Brook Twp. All lanes closed.
• 8:30 p.m.: NJ 91 in both directions South of Huron Rd in North Brunswick Twp. All lanes closed.
• 8:40 p.m: I-78 eastbound Exit 41 - Dale Rd to Plainfield Ave in Watchung. Two right lanes closed.
• 9:05 p.m.: US 1&9 Truck Route northbound Hackensack Avenue in Kearny. Two right lanes closed.
• 9:09 p.m.: US 1 southbound Ridge Rd in South Brunswick Twp. All lanes closed.
• 9:12 p.m.: US 9 northbound North of NJ 35 in Sayreville. All lanes closed.
• 9:13 p.m.: I-195 westbound East of Exit 2 - CR 524 in Hamilton Twp. One lane closed.
• 9:18 p.m.: I-78 eastbound Exit 41 - Dale Rd to Plainfield Ave in Watchung. Ramp lane closed.

Water Rescues Reported

CBS New York reported that a "dramatic" water rescue occurred in Scotch Plains.

The Forecast

The flooding came after several hours of heavy rain, and the risk of additional precipitation overnight. A flash flood warning was in place in the following New Jersey counties through 9:45 p.m. Monday: Middlesex, Morris and Somerset. Elsewhere in New Jersey, a flood watch remained in place through 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Rainy conditions will linger through the week. Showers and thunderstorms could continue in the area overnight. On Tuesday, there is a slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms later in the day.

Wednesday could also bring another round of storms.