Homes Destroyed, Dozens Pulled From The Flood Waters As Storm Overwhelms Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The flash flooding that occurred Monday night, putting New Jersey in a state of emergency, destroyed countless homes, closed roads and prompted a series of water rescues, according to officials.

North Plainfield Police Chief Alan McKay said countless homes were destroyed in the storm, one of them obliterated in an explosion, which was reported at 2:45 a.m. Tuesday morning.

"On arrival police officers found the home fully engulfed in flames. The explosion appears to have been the result of a gas leak," McKay said. "Luckily the home appears to have been empty and no victims were located."

FLOODING AND WATER RESCUES

According to the North Plainfield Police Department, approximately 40 residents were rescued from the major floods. They are currently being housed in the Vermule Community Center located at 614 Greenbrook Road. The Red Cross will be providing food, water, and clothes, according to police.

Officials said around 40 abandoned vehicles have already been towed away by officials, and workers are continuing to try and clear up roadways.

“Roads continue to remain closed and unpassable due to structural damage and or debris, including wires and tree limbs,” officials said. “Residents are asked to remain indoors and to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel can start the cleanup process.”

Bridgewater was also practically submerged last night as a result of the major flooding.

The Bridgewater Police Department is asking members of the public to assist in identifying major flood damage.

“Due to the heavy rain yesterday, several areas in the Township experienced flash flooding,” A Bridgewater police statement read. “The Department of Public Works is actively assessing conditions across our roads and infrastructure.”

Authorities ask that citizens report the following to the Bridgewater Department of Public Works:

• Flood-related damage to roads or public property
• Blocked storm drains or culverts
• Debris or fallen limbs in roadways
• Washed-out shoulders or sidewalks

Damage reports should be emailed to publicworks@bridgewaternj.gov.

MAJOR ROAD CLOSURES

Route 22 is closed in both directions between Washington Avenue in Green Brook and Terrill Road in Watchung, Somerset County, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

According to officials, there is “severe damage” in four sections on Route 22. The flooding resulted in major roadways buckling and heaving, a median barrier being carried away in the water, and a slew of debris covering the highway.

Additionally, there are abandoned cars stranded along roadways.

Route 22 eastbound closed Monday night around 9 p.m. due to major flood damage around Jefferson Avenue in Green Brook. Other significantly damaged areas include mile post 43.5 west of West End Avenue/Cardinal Lane in North Plainfield, mile post 44.7 at Somerset Street in North Plainfield, and mile post 46.5 west of Terrill Road in Watchung.

Sections of Route 28 were also heavily damaged by the floods and are closed. According to the NJDOT, Route 28 is closed in both directions between Mountain Avenue in Bridgewater, Somerset County, and Warrenville Road in Dunellen, Middlesex County.

It is unclear when the roadways will be reopened, according to NJDOT.