Wild Weather In Essex County: Top Stories Of 2024

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Earthquakes. A solar eclipse. Deadly falling trees. Wildfires. This is some of the wild weather that impacted Essex County in 2024.

Check out some of our top weather-related stories in the county below (click headlines to read the article).

Epic Flooding Soaks Essex County, Sends Rescuers Scrambling (PHOTOS)

Here's a recap of the damage and rainfall counts in Essex County.

Belleville Man Found Dead After Flash Floods Ravage Essex County

Police and fire crews in Belleville spent the night aiding residents and conducting water rescues – one of which ended in tragedy.

Flood Waters Rise In Montclair: Cars Stuck, Nonprofit 'Wrecked'

A heavy storm caused severe flash flooding across the region – including in Montclair.

Montclair Business Left In Shambles When Floor Collapses After Storm

No damage was found in the nearby buildings, Montclair public safety officials said.

Flood Waters Trap Cars In Livingston, Cause Havoc Around Town

A heavy storm trapped cars, flooded basements and washed away road asphalt in Livingston.

NJ Lawmakers Want $500K To Stop Peckman River Flooding In Essex County

"Our communities shouldn't have to live in fear every time it rains," a Republican state assemblyman urged.

Total Solar Eclipse: How Much We'll See In Essex County

What time will the eclipse start in Essex County? Here are some important things to know about the super-rare celestial event.

Eclipse Glasses In High Demand Across Essex County: Where To Get Yours

The warnings from experts appear to have been well-received in Essex County, where safety glasses have been disappearing like hotcakes.

Battle Over Hot Workplace Law Ignites In NJ As Sweltering Summer Heats Up

The worst part about dying from extreme heat on the job? It's preventable, advocates say.

Huge Wildfire In North Jersey Nearly Contained (See Latest Update)

All roads that were closed during the fire have reopened as of Sunday evening. Smoke is expected to linger until the next rainfall.

Earthquake Causes NJ Transit Train Delays, Bridge Inspections

Train service slowed down in New Jersey after Friday's quake, with system-wide delays reported due to inspections.

Several Homes Seen ‘Leaning’ In NJ City After Earthquake: Reports

Friday's earthquake left its mark on Essex County. "I was in ShopRite watching the hot sauce bottles shaking," a resident reported.

People Flee To NJ Ahead Of Hurricane Milton; Plane Tickets Scarce

A large rush of people in Florida have been trying to escape to New Jersey, with reports of soaring ticket prices adding to the turmoil.

NJ Infant, Grandfather Killed By Falling Tree In Verona Backyard: PD

"The Verona police, fire and rescue squads' thoughts are focused on the family during this difficult and unfathomable tragic time."

Falling Tree Kills East Orange Man During NJ Storm: Officials

The deceased man left behind a wife, daughter and unborn child, an online fundraiser says.

Bear Killed In Essex County After It ‘Traps’ Woman, Child: Police

Police tried to get the bear to return to a wooded area of South Mountain Reservation, but were forced to "dispatch" it, authorities said.

Brutal Lightning Strike Can’t Stop Sea Turtle Rescue In NJ (UPDATE)

Lightning hit Sea Turtle Recovery's hospital at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, igniting a fire. Here's how to help them rebound.

Dead Fish Found In Orange Reservoir; Essex County Investigates Cause

It isn't the first time that clusters of dead fish have been spotted in a lake in Essex County – or New Jersey.

Hurricane ‘Took Everything’ From Retired Livingston Cop: Fundraiser

A fundraiser has been launched for a retired Livingston police officer now living in Florida – who has been impacted by Helene and Milton.

This NJ Law Could Battle Flooding. So Why Isn’t Anyone Using It?

Supporters say stormwater utilities are "flood defense." Critics say they're a "rain tax." Could they be the solution that New Jersey needs?

NJ Disaster Recovery Guide: See Tips From Essex County Accountants

Putting your life back together after a disaster like a flood or hurricane is hard enough without adding a financial headache to the mix.

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