Latest news with #NJOEM
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Is NJ still in a state of emergency? Photos, videos capture dramatic rescues, floods in NJ
New Jersey was hit with severe flooding Monday evening, July 14, as videos and photos captured water rescues, floating vehicles and deadlocked traffic on major highways. Power was knocked out and roadways closed, prompting New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency. In northern New Jersey, over 6.5 inches of rain fell, with risks of flooding continuing through today, July 15. Risks of flooding, thunderstorms and high heat are expected to last through Friday, National Weather Service forecasters said. As ominous as it sounds, a state of emergency is not meant to alert residents of impending danger; rather, it empowers the governor to speed up resources to local communities hit hard while urging motorists to stay off roadways. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14 due to "flash flooding and high levels of rainfall in parts of the state." The declaration does not "expire," nor does it declare that bad weather is coming; rather, it is a declaration that opens up funding to areas of the state after bad weather hits. A state of emergency is declared by the governor when they believe a disaster has occurred or may be imminent that would be severe enough to require state aid to supplement local resources in preventing or alleviating damages, loss, hardship or suffering, according to the NJ Office of Emergency Management. The declaration speeds up state agency assistance with county and local public safety officials to provide communities with resources such as shelter, heating, fuel, food and more. The declaration also activates price-gouging laws to prevent businesses from driving up prices of gas, hotels and supplies, according to officials. The governor urges nonessential drivers to stay off roadways but that doesn't mean motorists will be ticketed for being out. Areas of the New Jersey Turnpike were inundated with severe flooding, with travelers remarking they came to a "standstill" as rains flooded the highway. Darwin Cooper Jr., a political figure in Cumberland County with over 15,000 followers, posted dramatic video around 7:50 p.m. on July 14, 2025. CBS New York captured a dramatic water rescue in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, showing a NJ Transit bus, a Yankee bus and Scotch Plains ambulance "stuck in the water." The CBS News reporter said he watched first responders rescue someone from a car, hooking them with a rope and dragging them to safety. Videos captured of severe flooding in areas near Route 22 in North Plainfield show vehicles floating away and people being rescued. North Jersey Drone Shots, with 30,000 followers on Instagram, captured video of hard-hit areas of New Jersey on July 14 in Green Brook and Warren, from water rescues to waterlogged streets. Ed Krassenstein, a social media personality with 1 million followers on X, posted video of massive floods in Plainfield, with the caption: "Why are we having so many floods America? Maybe it's time we start taking climate change seriously!" The video had nearly 860,000 views as of Tuesday morning, July 15. A New Providence, New Jersey homeowner took video of severe flooding in their backyard on July 14, 2025 as the state was hit with drenching thunderstorms. Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. This article originally appeared on Photos, videos capture dramatic NJ water rescues, flooded roads
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hunterdon County makes major advancement in flood control project
Hunterdon County has been awarded an $880,200 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to implement Phase II of its Hazard Mitigation Flood Warning System. The funding was formally accepted by the Board of County Commissioners during its June 3 meeting, ensuring the project is incorporated into the county's 2025 budget. The investment represents a major advancement in the county's ongoing efforts to improve flood preparedness and safeguard residents. "Hunterdon County has faced devastating flooding events that have taken a toll on lives and infrastructure. This FEMA grant enables us to expand our flood warning system, equipping us with real-time alerts that will strengthen emergency response efforts and help reduce future risks,' stated Commissioner Director John E. Lanza. More: FEMA funding will allow Hunterdon County to install floodgates The grant stems from concerns raised by the county's Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, and was secured through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program, in partnership with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM). The project is divided into two phases: Phase I partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to collect and analyze rainfall and flood data from the Neshanic River and other key areas. This data will enhance flood warning systems used by local and county officials to anticipate and prepare for flood-related emergencies. Phase II, supported by this new round of funding, focuses on infrastructure enhancements ― including the installation of floodgate systems at key flood-prone locations. One major installation site includes the intersection of County Route 514 and Reaville Road near the Neshanic River. These gates will be closed during flood conditions to restrict traffic and protect motorists from dangerous floodwaters. 'By integrating USGS stream gauges, rainfall sensors, and real-time hydrometric data, Hunterdon County is taking a proactive stance in flood readiness," Lanza stated. "Phase II will further enhance our capabilities, providing traffic restricting gate systems in areas prone to repetitive flooding over the last two decades. It also lays the groundwork for future public safety and disaster resilience investments.' Brad Wadlow is a staff writer for This article originally appeared on Hunterdon County NJ makes major advancement in flood control project
