Latest news with #UnionCounty
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Accidents: Accident sends three to hospital for injuries
Jul. 21—Three people were transported to the hospital by ambulance Friday after a two-vehicle accident in Union County. According to a Union County Sheriff's Office report, at approximately 10:52 a.m. a 2015 GMC Acadia, driven by Danny A. Fry, 37, of Creston, was eastbound on Highway 34 at Highway 169 when it hit a 2014 Jeep Compass, driven by Alexis H. Goodemote, 17, of Thayer. The Compass, which was westbound on Highway 34 in the turn lane to turn left onto Highway 169, failed to yield the right-of-way while making a left-hand turn and pulled in front of the Acadia. Both vehicles came to rest in the eastbound lane of Highway 34. Fry and two adult passengers in the Acadia were transported to Greater Regional Health by ambulance for injuries. Damage to the Acadia and Compass was estimated at $10,000 each. — — — — — A citation was issued Friday after a two-vehicle accident in Creston. According to a Creston Police report, at approximately 8:10 p.m. a 2021 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Macos C. Ramirez, 37, of Creston, was northbound at Adams and Elm streets. At the same time, a 2010 Ford Fusion, driven by LeSheena N. Drake, 37, of Greenfield, was westbound on Adams Street approaching the intersection. The 4Runner stopped at the intersection then continued northbound where it hit the Fusion as it proceeded through the intersection without stopping at the stop sign. Ramirez was unable to avoid hitting the Fusion. When asked, Drake said she did not see the stop sign and admitted to not stopping. Drake was cited for failure to obey a stop or yield sign. Damage to the 4Runner was estimated at $1,500 and damage to the Fusion was estimated at $2,000. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Storm update: Two deaths reported in Central Jersey after torrential rain, flooding
Heavy rain in Central Jersey from a July 14 storm killed two people in Union County and brought flashed flooding that left local streets and highways impassable and motorists stranded. Two women died in Plainfield when a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of the storm, according to Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. Emergency personnel responded quickly, but both people died at the scene. Mapp said the women's names are being withheld pending notification of their families. 'All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss. To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable," said Mapp, referring to the two men who died after a tree fell on their vehicle during the July 3 storm. "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 future harm.' One Parkview Avenue home in North Plainfield was destroyed after an explosion late Monday night at the same time there was flash flooding in the area. Gov. Phil Murphy said the cause of the explosion is under investigation, and no one was hurt in the blast. The explosion as well as water rescues occurred at a time when some areas of Somerset County, like Watchung and North Plainfield, received more than 5 inches of rain in about four hours, while Hillsborough received about 3 and parts of Union County, like Linden and Clark, received more than 5 inches of rain. The heavy rain resulted in reports of foundation damage and buildings in danger of collapse in North Plainfield and Dunellen. Route 22 and Route 28 were closed in both directions to clear debris and make emergency roadway repairs caused by flooding in Somerset and Middlesex counties. Motorists are advised to avoid both roads. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency for all 21 counties due to flooding caused by torrential rains and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. During a Tuesday news conference in Berkeley Heights, Murphy said New Jersey is seeing more frequent and more intense storms. He said Berkeley Heights experienced 6 inches of rain in less than two hours and more similar weather is likely. "This clearly was a significant weather event," said Murphy, adding water has killed more people during his time as governor than any other type of weather event, including power outages, tornadoes and snow storms. "We have not experienced anything like this in decades," said Mapp, who reported cars in the city were stranded in flood waters, while homes and businesses took on water in basements after flood waters rose two to three feet. More: See rainfall totals in your Central Jersey town Route 22 closed Route 22 was closed in both directions between Washington Avenue in Green Brook and Terrill Road in Watchung. There is severe damage in four locations on Route 22, including sections where the roadway has buckled and heaved, median barrier has been dislodged and washed into travel lanes, and debris is covering the highway. Abandoned cars that were caught in the flood waters need to be 22 eastbound was closed near Washington Avenue at approximately 9 p.m. July 14 due to roadway damage near Jefferson Avenue (mile post 42.5) in Green Brook caused by flooding. As flood waters receded, three other locations were identified with significant damage: Mile post 43.5 west of West End Avenue/Cardinal Lane in North Plainfield Mile post 44.7 at Somerset Street in North Plainfield Mile post 46.5 west of Terrill Road in Watchung Crews were on scene and working to clear debris and make repairs to the damaged roadway. It is unclear how long repairs may take. Motorists should avoid using Route 22 in this area. Bridgewater police report Route 22 west at Thompson Avenue reopened around noon July 15. Route 28 closed Route 28 is closed in both directions between Mountain Avenue (mile post 2.86) in Bridgewater, Somerset County and Warrenville Road (mile post 11.36) in Dunellen due to damage from flooding. Motorists should avoid using Route 28 in this area. Route 28 has reopened in all directions in Middlesex Borough, according to police who reported other roads still remain closed. More than seven inches of rain fell over a two hour period in South Plainfield, resulting in numerous calls and 50 plus water rescues all over the Borough, according to a post on the South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook page. New Market Avenue and Clinton Avenue Extension are closed, according to South Plainfield Business Administrator Glenn Cullen. He said police made about 50 water rescues for people stranded in vehicles. Those rescued on the northside of the borough were brought to the rescue squad building on Plainfield Avenue while those rescued on the southside were brought to the Holiday Inn on Stelton Road. Borough Hall and the library operated July 15 on a two-hour delayed opening. The municipal building is operating on generator power. The community pool had large amounts of silt and dirt that the flood waters brought down from West Crescent Parkway and will likely need a week to be operational again. Legends camp is open, but all other camp activities at the schools are closed. Hope 4 Paws Humane Society, the former Plainfield Area Humane Society on Rock Avenue, Plainfield reported on Facebook they lost everything in the storm, including food, bedding, litter and other supplies. All of the animals, who were found sitting in the dark with water filling their cages, are safe after being moved to higher ground. Linden police reported first responders assisted a number of drivers to safety after their vehicles were disables in the flood waters, and firefighters made nearly a dozen more boat rescues. After the rain stopped, Fire Department personnel also pumped out nearly two dozen residential basements. All Linden roadways were reopened, and most abandoned vehicles have been moved to the side of the road. There were a couple of transformer issues overnight, but there are currently no widespread power outages in the city. Linden Public Works is working to clear the streets and catch basins of debris, especially in flooded areas, police said in a Facebook post. The American Red Cross is in Dunellen supporting the Offices of the Mayor, Borough Administration and the Dunellen Office of Emergency Management. Their team has set up a tent in the back parking lot of the George W. Hodulik Firehouse, 231 S. Madison Ave., to provide cleanup kits and water to residents at no cost. The Red Cross will be on site until 7 p.m. July 15 and from 9 a.m. to noon July 16, 17 and 18. The team will load all supplies into residents' vehicles upon 5 to 7 p.m. July 15, the Red Cross will be offering a free, light meal at the firehouse to Dunellen residents who are without power to assist with their needs. Throughout the next few days, American Red Cross teams will also visit areas throughout the Borough affected by the storm to provide aid to residents. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call 1 (800) REDCROSS or 1 (800) 733-2767. Email: sloyer@ Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on NJ storm update: Two deaths reported in Central Jersey after flooding
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Dogs getting new place to play in Union County
RAHWAY – A new dog park will be coming to the city on Union County land. The City Council recently approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with Union County to develop a new dog park in a vacant section of the county-owned Wheatena Park, off West Grand Avenue. The new park will be a fully fenced, off-leash space with shade trees, benches and separate areas for large and small dogs. The site design will prioritize safety, accessibility and comfort for pets and their owners. The project is being funded through a $500,000 award from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs as part of a Fiscal Year 2024 legislative grant program. The grant will allow the city to cover engineering, permitting and construction of the dog park without using local taxpayer funds. 'As someone who has a couple of very energetic dogs at home, I'm especially excited about this project,' stated Mayor Raymond Giacobbe. 'This is something that will not benefit the dogs of our city, but the entire Rahway community. We want neighbors to have places to meet, relax, and connect. And sometimes, that starts with a couple of dogs chasing each other around a field.' More: How to help the animal shelter that 'lost everything' during NJ flooding Under the terms of the agreement the city will oversee the design and building process and the county will retain ownership of the land. Construction is expected to begin later this year or early next spring. Email: srussell@ Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Union County opening dog park in Rahway at Wheatena Park Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
N.J. residents cleaning up from flash flood remember long road back from Hurricane Ida
New Jersey faces a major cleanup effort after this week's flash floods. Residents in Union County are sorting through their damaged possessions, trying to salvage whatever they can. The piles of destroyed belongings continue to grow in North Plainfield, where many are cleaning up for the second time in less than four years after Hurricane Ida. Meanwhile, the community is still dealing with damage from deadly winds earlier in the month. The contents of Ana Lopez's entire living level and basement now line the curb in front of her Taft Avenue home. She was preparing dinner when the water started pouring in through the front door and garage. It filled the basement and rose 3 feet on the main floor. "Oh my God, it's so terrible. I feel my heart, I don't have words to explain," Lopez said, adding, "This is worse than the last time." Two days later, work to remediate her cherished home is well underway. Water-logged drywall has been removed, leaving the posts visible. Asked how she's feeling, Lopez replied, "I'm feeling happy, because I'm alive and my family is OK." Her 7-year-old daughter, Katalea, was by her side when the water rushed in. "My toys got dirty," she said. "I saved my bunny." Walking down Taft Avenue, pile after pile of ruined belongings can be seen. "It was a river flowing down the street, it was really bad," resident Lynnelle Thomas said. Thomas said this time around was worse for her, too. "The water level, the water damage," she said. "We've been through this, so we have flood insurance." Now, the flooding has become too frequent. "The idea of have to go through the process and try to replace it, it's going to take a little while," she said, adding. "It's a forced garage cleanup, but this is hard. It's hard, cold showers are hard." But she's doing it and smiling as often as she can.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
New Jersey flash flood blamed for at least 2 deaths as Gov. Phil Murphy says state was "crushed" by storms
New Jersey remains under a state of emergency Tuesday after Monday night's flash flooding devastated many communities, especially in Union and Somerset counties. Gov. Phil Murphy toured some of the damage Tuesday morning in Berkeley Heights. "Last night, we got crushed," Murphy said. Murphy spoke about two deaths in the city of Plainfield and about a home explosion in the borough of North Plainfield. "We're seeing more of this, more frequent and more intensity," he said. "Six inches of rain in under two and a half hours, in two waves -- one wave, knocked a lot of these communities a little bit off kilter; the second one just came in for the kill. So we're assessing around all these communities and counties." Several drivers had to be rescued when cars stalled Monday evening across the Garden State and in parts of New York. Route 22 eastbound remains closed for emergency repairs Tuesday in Somerset County. Murphy said he was in touch with the White House, and he warned more unsettled weather may be on the way. "We're in one of these patterns right now, hot and humid, late afternoon-early evening thunderstorms," he said. "It doesn't feel, as I stand here now, as though tonight, tomorrow, Thursday will be at the same level of intensity that we saw last night, but you never say never." N.J. flash flood blamed for at least 2 deaths in Plainfield Officials in Plainfield confirmed two people were killed when a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the storm. Their names have not been released. "They were in a submerged automobile, and their remains were extracted at some point overnight or first thing this morning," Murphy said. Earlier this month, two other people in the city were killed when a fast-moving storm whipped through. That same system also killed a woman in North Plainfield. "All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss," Plainfield Mayor Adrian O'Mapp said in a statement. "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 residents from future harms." House explodes in North Plainfield during storm It was a chaotic night across Union County. As first responders were busy with dozens of water rescues and shutting down roads, they received a report of a house explosion in North Plainfield. They arrived to find a home on Parkview Avenue in pieces. What was once a beautiful two story home is now just a pile of debris. The force of the explosion was so strong, pieces of wood ended up halfway down the block. One of the few structures still standing is the staircase leading up to what used to be the second floor. Firefighters said the home was engulfed in flames when they first arrived. After getting the fire under control, they did a thorough search and determined thankfully that the home was unoccupied. No injuries were reported to firefighters either. The firefighting effort was complicated by yesterday's torrential rains. First responders had to wade through ankle deep water as they dragged their hose lines. How the fire started is still under investigation.
