Flooding Shuts Down Route 23, Affecting Wayne Traffic

WAYNE, NJ — A section of Wayne Township's major local highway has been shut down on Wednesday due to flooding.

According to an alert, Route 23 is currently closed in both directions from the border in Wayne to the Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains.

All traffic has been detoured to the Newark Pompton Turnpike, police said.

The Pompton River is currently at 19.34 feet, indicating moderate flood conditions, but the major flood stage is projected to be reached over the next few hours.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm going into effect across the state, which began at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

AccuWeather meteorologists even warned of "dangerous to life-threatening conditions" stemming from rapid flooding, downed trees, high winds and darkness Tuesday night.

"River levels are rising rapidly and will continue to rise today. Flooding will increase in Old Wayne, Mountain View and Willowbrook section of Wayne," township police said.

Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to move vehicles to higher ground and plan to self-evacuate before roads become impassable, police said.

Click here to see the up-to-date road closures in Wayne.