Catastrophic Flash Flooding Hits New Jersey: New jersey flooding

New jersey flooding

TRENTON, July 15, 2025 — A sudden and severe flash flood event has devastated parts of northern New Jersey, prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a statewide emergency. Over six inches of rainfall deluged the region in just over two hours Monday evening, transforming roadways into rivers, disrupting mass transit, damaging infrastructure, and claiming at least two lives.

Governor Murphy declared the emergency at 8 p.m. on Monday, covering all 21 counties of the state. In a public statement, he urged residents to “stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel” as flash flood conditions rapidly intensified. According to official data, areas like Watchung received over 6.5 inches of rain, while nearby Mountainside saw totals exceeding 5.3 inches.

The transportation grid was severely disrupted, with significant sections of Route 22, Route 28, the Garden State Parkway, and other critical highways closed due to rising waters. Commuter trains across the NJ Transit system experienced delays and suspensions, while New York City’s subway system, though operational by Tuesday morning, suffered severe flooding that triggered sewer eruptions and manhole overflows, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

One particularly alarming incident occurred in North Plainfield, where a residential home exploded and caught fire amid the storm. The house had reportedly taken on substantial water, possibly compromising its utility systems. Fortunately, the residents had evacuated earlier, and no injuries were reported, as confirmed by local fire officials.

At least two people died in Plainfield when their vehicle was swept off the road and into Cedar Brook. According to CBS News, the victims were trapped inside the vehicle as emergency crews struggled against the surging current. These fatalities mark another grim chapter in what has already been a storm-heavy summer for the region.

Emergency crews conducted multiple water rescues across Union and Somerset counties, using ropes, ladders, and inflatable boats. In Scotch Plains, firefighters saved one individual trapped on a car roof as water reached window level. Eyewitnesses described the rescues as “harrowing” and credited the first responders with “heroic efforts under impossible conditions.”

On Tuesday, Governor Murphy visited flood-ravaged Berkeley Heights, calling the destruction “crushing.” He confirmed that the White House had reached out, and discussions on federal disaster aid are underway. New Jersey Monitor reported that state officials are currently assessing total damages to prepare a request for federal support.

The governor also emphasized that climate change is intensifying the severity and frequency of such events. “What we saw last night is no longer rare,” Murphy said, echoing findings from climate experts that warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the likelihood of extreme downpours.

While rainfall has now moved offshore, floodwaters remain in several low-lying communities, and infrastructure damage is still being evaluated. Many roads are impassable, and residents are advised to avoid flood zones even as the water recedes.

Officials say that all flash flood warnings have expired, but the cleanup and recovery process is just beginning. Public works crews have begun clearing debris, and power restoration efforts are underway in areas that lost service during the storm.

Event Summary

The 2025 flash floods in New Jersey mark a stark reminder of the region’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events. With communities still underwater and cleanup efforts ongoing, local leaders and federal agencies are now tasked not only with disaster recovery, but also with preparing for a future where such storms may become the new norm.