CRANFORD, N.J. — A powerful weather system unleashed more than 6 inches of rain across Cranford on Monday, triggering flash flooding that disabled vehicles, prompted water rescues, and flooded streets throughout the township.
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reported Tuesday morning that Cranford saw rainfall totals far exceeding initial forecasts of 1.5 to 3 inches. “Cranford recorded approximately 5 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 6.5 inches,” the OEM said in its after-action debrief.
Emergency alerts were first issued around 11 a.m. Monday, with follow-up NIXLE messages and public warnings disseminated throughout the day as flooding intensified. A final advisory urging residents to avoid flooded roadways went out at 6:10 p.m.
The Cranford Fire Department conducted two vehicle rescues and assisted one individual at a residence. A report of a partially collapsed river embankment near a private home was also investigated, though no structural damage occurred. No injuries were reported.
Sixteen vehicles were disabled while attempting to pass through flooded areas. Streets affected included South Union Avenue, Springfield Avenue, Casino Avenue, and West Holly Street, among others. Barricades and cones were deployed where possible to close off submerged roadways.
Municipal crews had taken preventative measures earlier in the day, including clearing catch basins, opening flood gates, and deploying portable pumps on Balmiere Parkway. “This weather event primarily threatened surface flooding rather than river flooding,” OEM noted.
Telemetric data showed the Rahway River cresting at 7.97 feet in Springfield by 8:15 p.m., placing the township in a “minor flood stage.” The Lenape Park Basin in Kenilworth peaked around 2:15 a.m. Tuesday.
A live update was broadcast on TV35 at 10 p.m. Monday featuring Mayor Terrence Curran, Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro, and Fire Chief Dan Czeh.
Though all roads have since reopened, basement seepage was reported by some residents. There were no power outages or significant public property damage, according to OEM.
Cranford officials urged residents to avoid placing flood-damaged debris at the curb, as no federal disaster declaration has been issued.
Flash flooding caught parts of Cranford by surprise after rainfall totals surpassed forecasts by more than double.