485 trapped people were rescued during and after Ida pounded and flooded Newark

Shore News Network

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara report that members of the Newark Department of Public Safety rescued 485 individuals trapped in flooded areas due to Tropical Depression Ida overnight.

“Last night’s thunderstorms were historic and proved extremely challenging for the City of Newark,” Mayor said. “I am grateful that no injuries have been reported and we are committed to providing assistance to our residents who are in need at this time.”

Newark firefighters rescued nearly 430 individuals, including the assist of 215 passengers trapped on a New Jersey Transit train that had lost power at Toler Place, near Newark Airport, at 2:50 a.m. Newark Police reported 56 overnight rescues.

“During the NJ Transit rescue, firefighters determined that the best course of action was to protect the riders in place since there was no safe location to evacuate them,” Director O’Hara said. “Once the water was low enough, NJ Transit sent a rescue train and reloaded the passengers. I commend these heroic first responders, along with members of the Newark Police Division and the Office of Emergency Management, for remaining focused on the tasks of rescuing and assisting Newark residents and visitors despite the myriad of obstacles produced by flooding throughout the night.”


At the height of the storm, approximately 24,000 residents lost power. Currently, some 2,100 households are awaiting service to be restored by PSEG, including 70 households in the area of Mapes Avenue and Henderson Street.

A total of 185 abandoned vehicles required removal from Newark roadways. Abandoned vehicles are being moved to the side of the road to facilitate traffic flow.

All drivers are strongly advised to avoid driving along flooded streets. Remaining flooded locations include:

• Frelinghuysen Ave and Rt. 22

• South Street from Pulaski Street to Mulberry Street (Closed)

• Central Avenue and Duryea Street

• 1st Ave / Bloomfield Avenue (North 10 & North 12)

• 82 Halstead Street

• Broad St & RT 1 & 9 Ramp

The Newark Department of Public Works will pick up garbage today.

Residents are advised to call: 973-733-6000 for non-emergency weather-related incidents. Dial 911 for emergencies.

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