Rivers Aren't Expected to Crest or Recede Until Mid-Week

Wayne Township officials have issued a statement regarding the flooding and Hurricane Irene.

Wayne Township has experienced the wrath and fury of Hurricane Irene from Saturday night into Sunday mid-morning. Torrential rainfall and high winds has caused major river flooding, along with flash flood conditions of numerous brooks and streams. Winds have taken down a number of trees and sporadic power outages have occurred in various areas of the township.

Wayne Township was as prepared as possible for a major weather event, The Township began planning to deal with the effects of Hurricane Irene five days ago when it became evident that Wayne was in the path of this dangerous storm. All Township departments and volunteer organizations met to review preparedness plans to deal with the impact of Hurricane Irene, The Township’s unified response team of personnel and equipment was mobilized on Saturday, Aug. 27. We will remain in the response phase until after rivers have crested and receded, which may not be until Tuesday or Wednesday, Aug. 30 or 31.

With the ending of the rain at mid-day, brooks and streams will begin to recede back within their banks. River cresting may not occur until sometime on Tuesday.

The Wayne Office of Emergency Management put out advisories to residents in the area of the rivers Friday, Aug. 26. This was done reverse 9-1-1, Wayne Township website, Wayne Township public access TV-77, and by distributing an emergency notice to those immediately adjacent to the rivers.  Residents were advised to prepare their homes for flooding including shutting off utilities and finding a safe location with relatives or friends for their family and pets. They were strongly urged to evacuate on Saturday, Aug. 27.

The Office Of Emergency Management Unified Operations was activated on Friday, Aug. 26 and Field Command Post was established early on Sunday, Aug. 28. Field Command will remain active around the clock for several days until such time that rivers have receded and resident can begin to return home.

Township crews are addressing the downed trees, but if power lines are involved with the trees we must wait for the utility company to come and address the power lines. Due to the fact that Hurricane Irene impacted the entire State of New Jersey, the response from the utility company may be significantly delayed.

Residents should monitor the Township public access TV channel 77, www.waynetownship.com and the OEM information line at 973-694-5050 for updated information.