While a storm that dropped widespread rain totals of 2 to 3 inches across New Jersey has largely cleared out, it’s left behind substantial flooding, left tens of thousands of people across the state without power early Wednesday and caused schools to close or delayed openings.
Forecasters are also warning about another weather system looming Friday night, when wind gusts could hit up to 60 mph along the Jersey Shore as more heavy rain falls.
“While recovery is underway from the storm that affected our region last night, another storm is gearing up to affect our area Friday night through Saturday,” the weather service said on social media. “New rainfall Friday night through Saturday morning will exacerbate any flooding that would be ongoing, and new flooding is possible. Strong to potentially damaging winds will develop yet again Friday night.”
Wednesday will be largely dry, but it remains quite breezy with wind advisories in effect. Winds will reach 20 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 45 mph, the National Weather Service says. The strongest winds are expected to last until mid-afternoon before diminishing, the weather service said in its morning forecast update.
More than 60,000 homes and businesses were without power as of around 6:30 a.m. That’s down from a peak of 120,000 overnight. Many school districts have opted for a delayed opening as residents deal with power and transportation issues.
Major flooding is taking place at the Saddle River in Lodi and Ridgewood as well as along the Raritan River in both Somerset and Hunterdon counties, the weather service said.
Major flooding is also reported by the weather service along the Millstone River in Griggstown and the Lamington River in the Burnt Mills area of Bedminster.
Moderate and minor flooding is occurring at dozens of other rivers statewide. The rivers are expected to remain at flood stage for the rest of the week.
Flooding issues could be worsened on Friday night and Saturday when forecasters say another 1.5 to 2 inches or rain will drop on the state. The rain will be accompanied by more strong winds gusts — up to 50 mph inland and 60 mph along the Jersey Shore, forecasters say.
Dozens of flights at the four major area airports have been canceled early Wednesday, including 39 at Newark Liberty International Airport and 44 at New York’s LaGauardia Airport, according to Flightaware.com.
NJ Transit service is running on or close to schedule except for the Princeton Shuttle Dinky, which is suspended due to a downed tree in the overhead wires. Bus service is being provided for the short trip between Princeton and Princeton Junction station.
Roads heavily affected by flooding, according to 511nj.org early Wednesday include:
- Route 17 in Hasboruck Heights,
- Route 23 in Pequannock,
- Route 124 in Springfield, Union County,
- Route 22 in Readington,
- Route 37 in Toms River
- Route 206 in Bedminster,
- Route 29 in Delaware Township
Three places in New Jersey picked up more than 4 inches of rain by about 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Denville had 4.24 inches, the Barry Lakes neighborhood in Vernon reported 4.2 inches and Bridgewater reported 4.14 inches, according to the weather service.
Several other places recorded more than 3 inches of rain, including the Succasunna section of Roxbury with 3.91 and Woodsville, a neighborhood in Hopewell Township, Mercer County with 3.84.
Island Beach State Park had a wind gust of 72 mph around 9:30 p.m., while a 65 mph wind gust was record in Ocean City at about 10:40 p.m, the weather service said. A handful of other wind gusts of 60 mph were also recorded.
Highs on Wednesday will be about 59. Thursday is shaping up to be mostly sunny with temps in the mid to upper 40s. Friday should offer similar conditions ahead of the rain at night.
Current weather radar
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
