Schools Closed, Emergency Rescues As Edison Gets 12 Inches Rain

EDISON, NJ — Tropic storm Ida unleashed havoc across New Jersey, dumping at least 12 inches of rain on Edison, according to Township officials.

Severe flooding occurred throughout the township, resulting in many vehicles being completely covered by floodwaters. Many motorists had to abandon their vehicles to get themselves to safety, officials said.

Edison Police, Fire, and Public Works Employees were out all night working to save life and property.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency across New Jersey Wednesday night as Ida spawned powerful tornadoes and significant flash flooding from south to north.

Edison officials have asked residents to remain off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. They’ve advised residents not to drive through flooded roads as waters are deeper than they look.

Several township roads are still covered in water and debris, as well as abandoned and disabled motor vehicles. Crews are working to clear the roads, but this will take time, officials said.

Edison Public Schools will be closed on Thursday due to severe flooding, the school district announced.

In neighboring Metuchen, first responders were busy throughout Wednesday night rescuing people stuck in their cars.

Flooding conditions worsened across the borough Wednesday night as many people reported water entering their homes. “Unfortunately, there is so much water that it has nowhere to go right now,” Mayor Jonathan Busch said in a Facebook post. “We will all have to be patient and wait for the storm to end and the water will subside.”

The mayor provided regular Facebook updates to borough residents throughout Wednesday.

The Office of Emergency Management opened the Senior Center for those who were rescued from their vehicles and those whose homes were uninhabitable.

On Thursday morning, many homeowners were pumping water and sewage out of their basements, officials said. The DWP office and basements at Borough Hall and library are still flooded with crews working to handle the issue.

Three Borough roads are currently closed - Memorial, Maple, and Juniper (downed trees lying on power lines).

The sidewalk underneath the Clive Street Bridge next to Olmezer Park is closed due to dangerous conditions.

The DPW is cleaning streets. Officials have asked residents to limit unnecessary use to water for the next 24 hours as many still have sewage leaking into their homes.

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