Flash Flooding Rocks Belleville; 'This Is Not Safe Out Here' (UPDATE)

This article was updated on Aug. 20

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — Belleville was hit by flash flooding on Sunday evening, leaving roads impassable, people in need of rescue and a local resident dead, authorities say.

Rainfall totals in Essex County ranged from 2.5 inches to 4 inches over the past 24 hours, which caused havoc throughout the region. See Related: Epic Flooding Soaks Essex County, Leaves Roads Impassable (Photos/Videos)

The National Water Prediction Service said that three rivers that flow through Essex County rose above their flood stages: the Passaic River at Newark, the Third River in Bloomfield, and the Peckman River in Verona.

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

"Extra police, fire, DPW personnel [are] already in and more [are] on the way," the mayor said.

Melham also noted that "all departments currently performing water rescues."

Councilman Frank Velez also shared a message about the flooding in Belleville, reporting that Continental Avenue between Carpenter Street and Celia Terrace was closed. Standing amid water that reached up to two feet, Velez posted video footage that showed stranded cars.

"This is not safe out here," the councilman said, warning residents to stay off the streets.

On Tuesday, authorities confirmed that a 63-year-old Belleville resident was found deceased the morning after the floods. See Related: Belleville Man Found Dead After Flash Floods Ravage Essex County

LOCAL FORECAST

The bad news? Belleville may not be in the clear yet.

According to the NWS, a thunderstorm is possible on Monday evening, with flash flooding and damaging wind gusts possible. Here is the local forecast for Belleville this week:

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a slight chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 79.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64.

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