This morning, two counties in New Jersey were struck by flash flooding as heavy rains blanketed the area, with reports indicating that as much as five inches fell during early-morning storms.
In Sea Girt, flooding began to cover streets between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., particularly affecting 1st Avenue from Brooklyn to Philadelphia Boulevards.
Lt. Matthew Mason of Sea Girt police confirmed in an email that the road was closed for several hours due to the significant water accumulation, although no rescues were reported.
Mason explained, “There was just a significant amount of water that had nowhere to go.”
By noon, the Sea Girt Department of Public Works, with help from Spring Lake Public Works, cleared a clogged stormwater pipe, allowing the road to reopen.
Sea Girt Mayor Don Fetzer noted that flooding had a widespread impact throughout the borough.
“The early morning thunderstorm caused flooding and road closures to the eastern side of Sea Girt, from approximately Beacon Boulevard south to the Crescent between oceanfront to just west of 2nd Avenue,” Fetzer shared.
He also mentioned that low-lying areas near Washington Boulevard experienced flooding.
Mayor Fetzer thanked the Sea Girt and Spring Lake Public Works staff for their quick response: “Initial information indicated the Baltimore Boulevard stormwater outfall pipe became clogged, causing widespread disruption to the borough’s storm drainage system.”
The blockage was cleared between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., leading to quick water receding.
In Lakewood, flooding was reported at a synagogue as waters rose on Pine Street, along with Martin Luther King, Squankum Road, and River Avenue.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy stated that by Sunday morning, his department had received only a few calls concerning flooding, primarily from Seaside Heights and Lakewood.
“The incidents were handled by the towns (Seaside and Lakewood),” he added.
Additionally, a flash flood warning was issued until 9:15 a.m. for southeastern Monmouth and northeastern Ocean counties by the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.
By 8:03 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated the heaviest rainfall had passed, though smaller streams continued to rise.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation reported that flooding had closed Route 35 north of Route 71 in Belmar.
Several areas experienced significant rainfall, with Wall Township reporting 5.34 inches between 5:24 a.m. and 6:49 a.m. and Manasquan seeing 4.12 inches between 5:09 a.m. and 6:39 a.m.
Other nearby locations recorded over three inches of rain during the storms.
The weather statement also indicated that between two and five inches of rain fell overall, and it would take time for runoff to recede.
Flooding impacts are expected to persist despite no additional heavy rainfall in the forecast.
Flash flooding is already causing issues, with overflow occurring in small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses, as well as other drainage and low-lying areas.
The communities are urged to remain vigilant and heed any warnings as waters continue to settle post-storm.
This event has highlighted the challenges posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of quick responses from local agencies to mitigate the impacts of such flooding events.
As the situation evolves, community members are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for any further developments.
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