Parts of North Jersey experienced a once-in-a-generation rainfall Sunday morning, triggering flash floods that closed roads and forced emergency water rescues. Bergen and Passaic counties, which have faced repeated flash flood events throughout the summer, bore the brunt of the storm once again.
A Rutgers University weather station located in North Haledon recorded more than 4 inches of rain in just three hours, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. By 12:30 p.m., the rainfall total in North Haledon reached almost 5 inches. Similar heavy totals of around 4.5 inches were reported in Little Falls and Haworth, according to preliminary estimates.
Emergency Rescues and Road Closures Across North Jersey
Social media video captured firefighters actively rescuing people from a car trapped in rising floodwaters in Paterson. Additional water rescues were reported in Westwood, Closter, and Fair Lawn as conditions deteriorated rapidly. Paramus also experienced widespread road closures due to severe flooding, according to updates posted on social media by Mayor Chris DiPiazza.
The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for much of the region that remained in effect through the morning hours. Flash flood warnings were additionally issued for isolated locations as the intense weather system tracked across the area.
Did You Know? Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, a weather station from Rutgers University in North Haledon measured over 4 inches of rain during those three hours.
Atmospheric Conditions and Regional Impact in New York and Connecticut
According to James Tomasini, a meteorologist with the New York office of the National Weather Service, a warm front advancing from the south triggered the heavy rainfall during the early hours of Sunday morning. John Krasting, New Jersey’s state climatologist, stated that the atmosphere was completely saturated and juiced up. Krasting noted that once the rain started, it simply did not let up, classifying the event as at least a once-in-a-generation occurrence in towns such as North Haledon, Haworth, and Little Falls.
The storm’s reach extended beyond New Jersey. Localized flooding was reported in Westchester County, New York, and across several towns in Connecticut. In Westchester County, morning rain flooded roads along parkways and forced the closing of Rye Playland. News12 Westchester reported that several roads in Sound Shore communities were inundated by stormwater. Meanwhile, New York City was mostly spared, with less than an inch of precipitation falling in Central Park after work crews cleared catch basins and authorities opened dozens of overnight shelters ahead of the storm.
Forecast and River Flood Threats Moving Forward
The threat of flooding is likely to remain in some places even after the rain stops falling. Both the Hackensack and Saddle Rivers are forecast to spill their banks due to ongoing storm runoff.
Forecasters expect dry conditions with seasonable weather to return from Monday through Wednesday. A chance of rain may return to the region on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the heavy rainfall on Sunday morning?
The rain was driven by a warm front moving up from the south, which met a completely saturated and juiced-up atmosphere, according to the National Weather Service.
Which towns recorded the highest rainfall totals?
North Haledon recorded almost 5 inches of rain by 12:30 p.m., while Little Falls and Haworth reported totals around 4.5 inches.
What are the weather expectations for the upcoming week?
Forecasters expect dry conditions and seasonable weather from Monday through Wednesday, with a chance of rain returning on Thursday.
How did New York City fare during the storm?
New York City was mostly spared, receiving less than an inch of precipitation in Central Park.
What rivers are at risk of overflowing following the storm?
Both the Hackensack and Saddle Rivers are forecast to spill their banks due to storm runoff.
How are regional authorities responding to ongoing flood threats in North Jersey?
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