Some Roads Close In Ridgewood As Saddle River Rises Amid Storm: Police

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Police in Ridgewood warned Monday night that some roads in town were closed and the Saddle River was rising amid strong storms.

"URGENT MESSAGE from Ridgewood OEM," police said in a message around 9 p.m., "Approximately 5 inches of rain has fallen upstream on the Saddle River, which has risen significantly in a short period of time. Out of an abundance of caution, residents in low-lying areas around the Saddle River are warned of likely down-stream flooding. Please be aware and monitor your surroundings."

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in New Jersey around 7:30 p.m. Monday, as residents reported submerged cars on highways in North
Jersey. READ MORE: State Of Emergency Declared In NJ As Serious Flooding Reported

Ridgewood officials added, "Various roads are closed throughout the Village. Do not drive through flooded streets or wade into standing water. Move to higher ground if necessary. Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 for emergencies only. Stay home and stay safe!"

A rain gauge in upper Saddle River said the river had risen above 4 feet.

In the town of Upple Saddle River, police wrote around 9 p.m., "Attention USR Residents: All crossings over the Saddle River within town are closed, except for Old Stone Church Road."

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for Bergen County from 2 p.m. Monday to 12 a.m. Tuesday.

The NWS said:

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of urban and poor drainage areas as well as quick responding small rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations."

Never try to drive or walk near floods, as several people have lost their lives across the country during flash floods. http://www.weather.gov/safety/...

Click the links below for more specific forecasts by county, to see the storms on radar, and to check updated warnings and watches.

Track The Storm

• Keep an eye on the radar here.
  
• Check out the Accuweather Minutecast here.
• See a current map of all watches and warnings in New Jersey here.
  
• The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) keeps us informed about larger weather events. Follow them here.

Updated NWS forecasts, watches, and warnings in each county:

• Bergen County here
• Essex County here
• Hudson County here

What about the rivers? This NWS map of the United States will show the potential for river flooding.