TRENTON, N.J. – Torrential downpours triggered widespread flash flooding across New Jersey on Saturday, forcing the closure of major highways and local roads while contributing to crashes, traffic delays, and dangerous driving conditions from Warren County to the Jersey Shore.
The National Weather Service placed much of the state under a Flood Watch as multiple rounds of thunderstorms brought heavy rain capable of producing 2 to 3 inches of rainfall in just a few hours.
Roads closed by flooding across New Jersey
Among the most significant closures reported Saturday afternoon were:
- NJ 35 in both directions at NJ 71 (H Street) in Belmar.
- NJ 71 in both directions near Main Street in Manasquan.
- NJ 35 northbound south of Oak Hill Road/Cooper Road in Middletown Township.
- NJ 36 northbound at Wilson Avenue in Middletown Township.
- NJ 36 in both directions at Linden Avenue in Highlands.
- U.S. Route 9 northbound at Jake Brown Road in Old Bridge Township.
- NJ 57 in both directions west of North Prospect Street in Washington Township.
Flooding also affected Interstate 78, where two express lanes eastbound near Elizabeth Avenue in Newark were closed, while water also closed a lane on the local lanes near Springfield Avenue in Union County.
Secaucus among hardest-hit communities
The Secaucus Police Department warned motorists to avoid numerous flooded streets after intense rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems throughout the township.
Police reported major flooding at Secaucus Road and Penhorn Avenue, the Route 3 east service road, Route 3 west at Mill Creek Drive, Meadowlands Parkway near the Route 3 east ramp and 10th Street, and Plaza Center near Buchmuller Park.
Authorities urged drivers to avoid travel unless necessary as conditions continued to change throughout the afternoon.
Crashes add to traffic problems
Wet roads also contributed to several traffic incidents across the state.
A crash blocked a lane on the New Jersey Turnpike ramp to the southbound Garden State Parkway at Interchange 11 in Woodbridge Township. Another crash was reported on the Turnpike’s inner roadway southbound near the Molly Pitcher Service Area in Cranbury Township, while a separate collision occurred on the Garden State Parkway at Exit 142B in Irvington.
In North Jersey, an overturned tractor-trailer closed lanes on Interstate 80 near Exit 63 in Saddle Brook Township.
Long delays on major highways
Motorists also encountered significant backups Saturday afternoon.
Traffic slowed for approximately two miles on the Garden State Parkway southbound near Lakewood and again through Tinton Falls. A seven-mile delay developed between Aberdeen and Middletown on the Parkway as flooding and heavy traffic combined to slow travel.
Drivers crossing into New York experienced delays of 15 to 20 minutes on both the upper and lower levels of the George Washington Bridge, where truck restrictions also remained in effect.
