What happened in Central Jersey? Flash floods leave two dead in Plainfield on July 14
Much of the state faced a flash flood warning for at least part of Monday and a flash flood watch through midnight. As of the morning of July 15, parts of Middlesex and Somerset counties were still under a flood warning, with the National Weather Service advising residents of continued flooding as numerous roads remained closed.
Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for New Jersey on Monday evening, writing in a post on X, "We are experiencing heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the state. Please stay off the roads and monitor local forecasts."
While flooding was reported from all over the state, it was particularly high along the Route 22 corridor in Central Jersey. Watchung, Plainfield, North Plainfield and Somerville were some of the hardest-hit communities.
Story continues below photo gallery.
In a press release posted to Facebook on the morning of July 15, officials from the city of Plainfield confirmed that two individuals were killed during the flash flooding.
The release said preliminary reports found that a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of the storm. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but both people in the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the victims were being withheld pending notification of their families, the release said.
In response to storm-related damage, city officials said all city pools and parks would be closed July 15 and services at the Plainfield Senior Center would be suspended. A citywide plan was in development to assist residents with post-storm cleanup.
"The City of Plainfield continues to assess conditions across affected neighborhoods," reads the release. "Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official communication channels, including the city website, social media pages, and robocall system, for updates on recovery efforts, service restoration and support resources."
We're flooded in Plainfield byu/Worldly-Jellyfish-88 innewjersey
Scenes of floating cars, dramatic rescues and flooded roads could be seen all over social media as of Tuesday morning.
Route 22 in North Plainfield and Route 28 in Middlesex both remained closed so crews could clear debris and make emergency roadway repairs.
The Plainfield Area Humane Society was left with nothing after its entire shelter flooded during Monday night's storms.
"Our director, shelter manager, a board member and volunteer were able to swim through debris to get inside and check on the animals. They were sitting in darkness with water quickly filling their cages, many were already chest deep in the flood," reads a post from the Plainfield Area Humane Society on Facebook. "Despite the chaos, all animals were able to be moved to higher ground and are safe."
However, the shelter was left with no food, bedding, litter or supplies of any kind. For information on how to donate to the shelter, visit the Humane Society's website at hope4pawshs.org/ways-to-help.
The damage came just days after a severe storm struck Plainfield on July 3, leading to more than 80 downed trees, widespread power outages and the death of two others, who were killed when a tree fell on the vehicle they were traveling in.
"All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss," Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said on July 15. "To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable. We mourn with the families, and we remain committed to doing all we can to strengthen our emergency response systems and protect our residents from harm."
North Plainfield also saw a fatality due to a downed tree during the July 3 storm.
Flooding has been a recurring issue in the region for decades. As reported by My Central Jersey, the flood of 1973 ravaged the area. Two years before, in 1971, Tropical Storm Doria brought heavy rains and flood levels that remained records until Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Flash flooding in Central Jersey leaves two dead July 14
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