State of emergency declared in New Jersey thanks to heavy rains, flooding

Asbury Park Press
Updated ·2 min read
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Another Friday, another big storm. And this week's is bringing a lot of rain with it.

At 3 p.m., Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency due to the severe storms that brought heavy rains and flash flooding. The state of emergency allows resources to be deployed throughout the state during the storm.

“Throughout the state, especially in the north and central regions, we are experiencing heavy rainfalls resulting in hazardous conditions, and the rainfall is expected to accelerate in many parts of the state over the next several hours," Murphy said. “Flooding remains a significant concern due to the heavy rains much of the state already experienced this week. Residents should stay off the roads, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”

The biggest problem associated with the event is the amount of rain falling on an already saturated ground.

Water from Wesley Lake reaches the Carousel House on The Asbury Park boardwalk Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023.
Water from Wesley Lake reaches the Carousel House on The Asbury Park boardwalk Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023.

At 2 p.m., flooding had resulted in the closure of Route 35 at Belmar Boulevard in Wall as well as Route 71 north of Stockton Lake Boulevard in Manasquan, according to the traffic monitoring website 511nj.org. Flooding was also reported at Routes 35 and 33 in Neptune, but the highways remained open to traffic, according to the website.

Flooding was also reported in Deal, Spring Lake Heights and Belmar, according to the traffic website.

Wesley Lake overflowed its banks Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023, flooding Lake Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ.
Wesley Lake overflowed its banks Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023, flooding Lake Avenue in Asbury Park, NJ.

In Ocean County, flooding created travel hazards at Routes 35 and 88 in Point Pleasant Beach, according to 511nj.org.

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Between 2 and 4 inches of rain, and upward of 6 to 8 inches, is predicted to fall Friday in New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service. In Monmouth County, Asbury Park has seen 4.39 inches of rain. In Ocean County, 3.21 inches of rain has fallen in Point Pleasant Beach.

Rain is expected to continue all day Friday, becoming heavy at times through tonight.

Wesley Lake overflowed its banks Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023, flooding Lake Avenue (left) in Asbury Park, NJ.
Wesley Lake overflowed its banks Friday afternoon, September 29, 2023, flooding Lake Avenue (left) in Asbury Park, NJ.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: State of emergency declared in NJ due to heavy rains, flooding