​Flood Watch Issued As Heavy Rains Expected In Edison, Metuchen

EDISON, NJ – The entire state of New Jersey, as well as Edison and Metuchen, have been placed on a flood watch as forecasters are predicting heavy rains from former Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Dreary conditions will continue, as the region is expected to be impacted by significant wind-driven rain.

Forecasts indicate 1 to 2 inches of rain are possible, and localized areas may receive up as much as 6 to 8 inches of rain.

This may cause local flooding, and even the possibility of flash floods.

“Our region has already received a significant amount of rain over the last few weeks, and the ground in many areas is already retaining a large amount of water from the recent rain,” Edison Township said in a message to the community.

The township has asked residents to secure any outdoor furniture or other loose items now.

Do not drive through standing water as the average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. As the wind gusts occur, they may bring down electrical lines. “Always assume that a downed power line is live. Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 30 feet away, and this is greatly increased in wet conditions,” the township said. “Never approach or drive over a downed power line, or through any water that is in contact with a downed power line.” Edison residents can report any flooding conditions to the Edison Police Department at (732) 248 – 7400. If someone is in danger of drowning, call 911 IMMEDIATELY. To report any downed power lines call Edison Fire Department at (732) 248 – 7500.

Metuchen has also advised residents to not drive through standing water on the road. Metuchen residents experiencing flooding in or around their homes, can call the police department for assistance.

Here’s the forecast for the next few days:

• Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 62. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Saturday: A chance of showers, mainly before 2 p.m. Patchy fog between 7a.m. and 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
• Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 75. North wind around 10 mph.

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