Stay Safe: N.J. County Implements Shelter-in-Place Order Amid Severe Flash Flooding

Somerset County, New Jersey faced severe flash flooding on Monday night, prompting local officials to issue a shelter-in-place order. They urged all residents and businesses to stay indoors due to dangerous road conditions.

Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency as the storm unleashed nearly four inches of rain in parts of Somerset, Middlesex, and Union Counties. This massive downpour caused significant flooding, leading to road closures across these areas. Union County officials even requested that residents only call 911 for life-threatening situations.

In Berkeley Heights, the local police opened town hall as a shelter for those in need and offered transportation to anyone stranded. Authorities reported several flooded streets and warned residents to stay home until the rains stopped.

By early evening, the National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings for ten counties in northern New Jersey. Some locations recorded alarming rainfall, such as Bound Brook, which received over three inches. Rainfall data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Rutgers University indicated that Morris County and areas of Union County were similarly affected.

Local officials reported heavy flooding in Watchung, where major roads were submerged. Images and videos circulated on social media, showing cars stuck in the rising water. One video captured traffic halted on I-287, highlighting just how severe the flooding had become.

In South Plainfield, police warned of major flooding and ongoing road closures. Meanwhile, Camden County and Burlington County also faced flash flood warnings, underscoring how widespread the flooding had become.

The impact of climate change is increasingly seen in such weather events. Research shows that heavy rainfall incidents are becoming more frequent and intense. According to a 2021 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Northeast has experienced a nearly 70% increase in intense rainstorms over the past 50 years. Experts suggest that urban planning and infrastructure must adapt to these new realities to minimize damage and ensure public safety.

While local officials are dealing with immediate challenges, this extreme weather event highlights a larger issue. Preparing for future storms will require collaboration across various sectors, from emergency management to urban planning. Only time will tell how communities respond to these ongoing changes, but awareness and action are crucial for resilience.



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