Residents Cautioned to Remain on 'Heightened Alert'

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urges residents to remain "on heightened alert" over the next couple of days as more rain could fall and have an additional "negative impact of areas already affected" by flooding.

The OEM issued a statement yesterday regarding the flooding. Heavy rain, combined with upstream snowmelt and frozen ground conditions caused a rapid rise in the Passaic and Pompton Rivers Sunday into Monday.

Certain parts of Wayne remain flooded and streets were still closed yesterday afternoon as the township dries out from a late Winter flood that blanketed the area during the past few days and the situation could get worse by week's end.

The Pompton River has begun to "slowly" recede, while the Passaic River continues to "slowly" rise and was "expected to crest overnight" Tuesday into today, according to the statement.

Potentially, between one half to three inches of rain is forecast could fall Thursday evening into Friday causing the rivers to "rise rapidly to levels that were recently experienced" with "more significant flooding likely should the greater amount of rain fall."

The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is urging all New Jersey residents to develop family emergency plans and prepare a Go-Kit (see below).

“Now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and your family, not when floodwaters are climbing your front steps,” advises State Police Superintendent Col. Rick Fuentes, director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM).

The NJOEM recommends New Jersey residents prepare for spring flooding by taking the following steps:   

Develop a Go Kit

This kit should include:

• Three days' supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food.
• Three days' supply of water (a total of three gallons per family member).
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• One week's prescription medications.
• First aid kit.
• Personal toiletries.
• Non-electric can opener and utensils.

If residents must evacuate:

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank level at a half-tank or more.
• Every family member must carry contact information.
• All phone numbers at work, school, etc. for every family member.
• The name and number of a relative who lives out-of-state to call in case your family gets separated.

Stay informed

In New Jersey, keep track of current weather forecasts and alerts with:

The official Web site of the National Weather Service: 

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/phi/

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management's Web site: www.ready.nj.gov

New Jersey Alert text messaging system: www.njalert.gov.