Flood Waters Cause Havoc In Newark: Rivers, Evacuations, Sewer, Trains

NEWARK, NJ — A heavy storm dumped several inches of rain throughout Essex County on Sunday, causing severe flash flooding across the region – including Newark.

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.

In Newark, people shared photos and video footage of flooding at 1st and Roseville avenues, Park Avenue and 9th Street and 18th Avenue, among several other locations.

Dozens of residents were evacuated from a residential building on the 300-block of Park Avenue after a roof collapsed in the heavy rain, News 12 New Jersey reported.

Sewer overflow was seen on Sunset Avenue, and McCarter Highway between Clay Street and Mount Pleasant Avenue was temporarily shut down, TAPinto Newark reported.

The flooding in Newark forced Amtrak to suspend all rail traffic between New York Penn Station and Philadelphia.

According to a Monday morning update from Newark’s water and sewer department, cleanup crews are out surveying the city.

“If flooding issues persist in your area, please call our Emergency Dispatch crew at (973) 733-3874 or at (973) 733-3654/3655 for emergencies after working hours,” city officials advised.

“The ongoing situation is completely unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of residents and businesses in the area,” a frustrated resident reported on social media. “It is imperative that immediate action is taken to address this urgent issue.”

“These floods crazy out here, Newark nasty right now,” another internet user commented.

LOCAL FORECAST

The bad news? Newark 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 Newark this week.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 82. West wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

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

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 76. Northwest wind around 8 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 79.

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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