Flash Floods Hit Bloomfield; Nobody Injured, Roads Reopen (UPDATE)

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Several areas of Bloomfield were hit by heavy flooding on Sunday evening, and more rain may be on its way, forecasters 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.

Bloomfield Mayor Ted Gamble posted a message about the flooding, reporting that a large amount of rain came down in a very short period of time, causing flooding throughout the township.

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

Gamble provided an update on Monday morning:

“I hope everyone managed to stay safe during the storm. Our first responders worked through the storm to address immediate concerns and safety issues. Crews are back out this morning with our DPW clearing debris from the storm. If you have a non-emergency issues please call the Bloomfield non-emergency number. We have a long way to go to address storm water mitigation and any solutions will take time as we address an aging infrastructure and an increase in weather events due to climate change. In the meantime we can work together helping our neighbors and local businesses.”

The Bloomfield Police Department also warned of road flooding, advising drivers to turn around and find another route if they encounter a flooded street.

Alternate side parking is suspended in Bloomfield on Monday due to the flooding, police said. It will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

"Bloomfield had moderate street flooding and units closed off flooded streets during the storm," a police spokesperson told Patch on Monday afternoon.

"Units assisted some motorists out of flooded areas and we can report that no one was injured," he added. "All roadways have been reopened."

'PRAYING FOR THE BEST'

Bloomfield was hard-hit by flooding, videos and photos posted to social media show, with flooding reported at Brookside Park, Bloomfield Station, near Watsessing Avenue at Franklin Street, Beardsley Avenue, Charles Street and Hoover Avenue, among other areas.

Several videos show cars stranded and abandoned in high waters, with people wading through the street in water up to their waist – several of whom were clearing out storm basins.

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

“Here we go again … praying for the best,” the restaurant’s post stated.

LOCAL FORECAST

The bad news? Bloomfield 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 Bloomfield this week.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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 61. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

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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