Storm-Flooded Roads Lead To Rescue On Route 37 In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Heavy rain from severe thunderstorms that moved through Ocean County Tuesday evening flooded streets including in Toms River, stranding cars and leading to at least one rescue.

Video shared by Toms River Volunteer Fire Company 1 shows a firefighter lifting a woman out of her car after it got stuck in water on the jughandle coming off Route 37 just west of Hooper Avenue, before Dunkin Donuts.

More than 3 inches of rain fell in Toms River between 9 a.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Ocean County Sheriff's Office warned drivers to stay off the roads because of flash flood warnings, and issued alerts that Irons Street and Herflicker Boulevard were flooded and closed to traffic.

The sheriff's office also shared photos of flooded areas on Route 37, including at the intersection of Route 37 and Hooper Avenue. Video published by Exit 80 Scanner News showed water up to the bumpers of vehicles and rolling away in waves as the vehicles pass through it.

A request to the Toms River Police Department for information on the number of emergency calls during the storm and how many rescues were needed was not immediately answered Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service forecast is for the rain to continue to fall most of the day, with some thunderstorms possible.

Do you have storm photos you took that you'd like to share? Email them to karen.wall@patch.com.