Tropical Depression Ida slams into NJ, dropping tornado, major flooding on state
Remnants from Hurricane Ida significantly impacted nearly all of New Jersey overnight Wednesday into Thursday, bringing rounds of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall up to 6 inches and statewide flash flooding, plus isolated tornadoes toward the northwestern half of the state.
A tornado watch was issued for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset and Warren counties until 10 p.m. Wednesday.
How the storm affected the state depends on the region.
Updated forecast: Flood warning remains in effect day after Ida devastates New Jersey
How to prepare: Here's how you can set up severe weather, tornado warnings on your phone
The entire state remains under a flash flood watch that will expire at 8 a.m. Thursday, but it's extended until 2 p.m. Thursday for the northeast counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union.
A severe thunderstorm warning has already been issued for parts of New Jersey, with more expected to come throughout the day. Minor damage to vehicles, wind damage to roofs, siding, trees, and downed power lines are possible with Ida.
Update 2:50 a.m.: Jersey Central Power & Light reports 35,496 customers are without electricity in New Jersey
A total of 35,496 customers of JCP&L were without electricity early Thursday morning. Atlantic City Electric, which serves much of South Jersey, reported that 2,504 of its customers were affected by outages early Thursday.
JCP&L customers without power
- Morris County: 8,165 customers.
- Sussex County: 8,134 customers.
- Hunterdon County: 6,685 customers.
- Warren County: 6,068 customers.
- Somerset County: 3,664 customers.
- Monmouth County: 1,373 customers.
- Ocean County: 947 customers.
- Passaic County: 211 customers.
- Essex County: 67 customers.
- Union County: 50 customers.
- Mercer County: 34 customers.
- Burlington: Fewer than 5 customers.
- Middlesex: Fewer than 5 customers.
Atlantic City Electric customers without power
- Gloucester County: 2,411 customers
- Burlington County: 54 customers.
- Salem County: 21 customers
- Atlantic County: 6 customers
- Camden County: 6 customers.
- Cumberland County: Fewer than 5 customers.
- Ocean County: 0 customers.
Update 2:30 a.m.: Parts of Trenton evacuated due to flash flooding
There have been reports throughout the state of towns and cities ordering the evacuation of neighborhoods or streets where the flooding has posed a danger to life and property.
Indeed, there are countless reports of vehicles partially submerged in flood waters across the state, leading to a number of rescues late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
In Trenton, emergency management officials have recommended that the following streets be evacuated:
- Clearfield Avenue
- Columbia Avenue
- Riverside Drive
- Lipton Avenue
- Newell Avenue
- Laclede Avenue
- Bloomfield Avenue
- Westminster Avenue
- Mt. Vernon Avenue
- Rodgers Avenue
"As a measure of precaution, we're turning off the power grid in the area at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow," the city said in a prepared statement. "Our Trenton Police Command Post will be in the area and can be reached for assistance 24/7 via a non-emergency line at 609-712-4831."
Trenton residents in the affected areas were being directed to seek shelter at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School at 1300 Stuyvesant Ave.
For more information, residents can visit www.trentonnj.org/flood.
Update 2 a.m.: Newark Liberty International Airport resumes some flight operations
Some flight operations have restarted at Newark Liberty International Airport where portions of the airport were flooded on Wednesday night.
All parking lots remain closed and airport officials are advising travelers to check with their airline before coming to the airport.
Video posted by WABC Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter on his Twitter feed on Thursday night, showed extensive flooding in a baggage area at the airport.
The Channel 7 New York station reports that record rainfall has "produced immense flooding across the 5 boroughs leaving streets under water, drivers stranded and subways shut down."
There is also a travel ban in place in New York City until 5 a.m. for all nonemergency vehicles on city streets and highways, Eyewitness News reported.
Update 1:45 a.m.: 3 police officers rescued from flood waters in Mercer County
The New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association confirms that three police officers in Mercer County who were swept away in flood waters on Wednesday night have been rescued with assistance from the Hamilton Fire Department.
Update 12:15 a.m.: Matawan announces road closures due to flash flooding
Until further notice, the following sections of local roads are closed to all traffic: Ravine Drive at Lake Lefferts, Main Street to Washington Avenue, and Matawan Avenue from Marc Drive to Ravine Drive.
The heavy rainfall is expected to continue overnight and may cause substantial flash flooding on various other streets and highways, police said.
All motorists are instructed not to drive through any flooded roadway. If motorists must drive in the borough, they are ordered to obey the road closures. More importantly, avoid all travel if possible until the heavy rainfall subsides and the water recedes, police said.
Update Midnight: Major arteries in northern Monmouth County are flooded and closed in some areas
Route 9 in Manalapan, Route 35 in Hazlet and Keyport, and Route 36 in Middletown are flooded in different areas throughout their respective towns.
All lanes are closed at the moment.
Update 11:35 p.m.: Flooding on Interstate 80
There is currently flooding in the local westbound lanes west of Exit 67/River Road in Hackensack.
Update 11:30 p.m.: Flooding on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike/Interstate 95
As of late Wednesday night, there is flooding reported on the New Jersey Turnpike in the local northbound lanes south of Exit 71 in Leonia. All lanes were also blocked on the northbound entrance ramp at Interchange 13 for Interstate 278/Goethals Bridge in Elizabeth.
There was also flooding in the northbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway, north of the Colonia Service Area in Woodbridge.
Update 11:25 p.m.: All NJ Transit rail service suspended, with the exception of the Atlantic City Rail Line
NJ Transit has suspended all rail service with the exception of the Atlantic City Rail Line due to weather related issues.
Moreover, all NJ Transit light rail and buses are subject to suspensions, detours and delays due to widespread weather related issues. A system-wide cross-honoring is in effect with NJ Transit and private carrier bus and light rail.
Update 11 p.m.: Major flooding underway in Hazlet and nearby communities
There is widespread flooding in the Hazlet and Keyport area, where even parts of Routes 35 and 36 are also reported to be partially submerged.
"There is severe flooding throughout Hazlet and many roads are impassible," Hazlet police said in a statement. "Do not attempt to drive and please stay in. This will help our officers who have been responding to numerous emergencies townwide."
Update 10:10 p.m.: Gov. Murphy declares a state of emergency for all 21 counties in New Jersey
Gov. Phil Murphy has signed an executive order declaring that New Jersey is under a state of emergency effective immediately in response to Tropical Storm Ida.
Executive Order No. 259 is a state of emergency declaration for all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state for the duration of the storm.
“Tropical Storm Ida is severely impacting all areas of our state,” Murphy said in a prepared statement released late Wednesday night. “The safety of our residents is our main priority, and we urge everyone to be informed of local weather conditions and to stay off the roads.”
Residents are asked to pay attention to local weather forecasts, warnings, and watches.
A copy of the governor's executive order may be found here.
Update 10 p.m.: South Brunswick declares a municipal state of emergency
Police Chief Raymond J. Hayducka, who is also director of the South Brunswick Office of Emergency Management, has declared a state of emergency for all of South Brunswick Township.
Hayducka has ordered all vehicles off the roadways, for residents to stay home and for all other motorists to stay out of the township.
"It is critical to our rescue efforts to avoid further victims, and to clear roadways to allow rescue personnel access to assist those already in need of assistance. We need the public's cooperation with this," Hayducka said.
Update 9:10 p.m.: Flash flood warning issued for much of central New Jersey
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a flash flood warning for eastern Mercer and Monmouth counties, southeastern Middlesex County, northeastern Burlington County and northern Ocean County until 1:45 a.m. Thursday.
At 9:01 p.m., Doppler radar indicated that thunderstorms were producing heavy rainfall across the impacted area, according to the weather service.
Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen as of this time. The anticipated rainfall rate is between 0.5 and 1.5 inches in a period of one hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Do not attempt any unnecessary travel.
Update 8:35 p.m.: Flooding reported on roadways throughout Mercer and Middlesex counties; some trees down
Stay home and remain indoors is the message from some police departments across Central Jersey as their local roads began to flood in towns such as South Plainfield, West Windsor and Metuchen.
Wind gusts were also causing some trees and power lines to fall in Plainsboro and West Windsor, police said.
In South Plainfield, police reported widespread flash flooding throughout the borough. Many streets were completely impassable and residents were urged to stay home. The roadways of Stelton, Durham, New Market and many other side roads were closed due to street flooding.
Elsewhere: Apparent tornado causes damage in Mullica Hill
WATCH: Videos of 'monster' tornado cause damage in Mullica Hill area
Update 8 p.m.: Footage captured of tornado earlier in Burlington County
Update 7:45 p.m.: Tornado confirmed near Rocky Hill in Somerset, moving toward Middlesex
A confirmed tornado was located over Rocky Hill Borough in Somerset County, about 12 miles southwest of New Brunswick, moving northeast at 40 mph, weather officials said.
Southern Morris, northcentral Mercer, central Somerset and northern Middlesex counties are now under a tornado warning until 8:15 p.m.
Update 7:30 p.m.: Tornado warning expanded to northcentral New Jersey
Multiple severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes were seen near the state's capital at 7:28 p.m.
A tornado warning is now in effect until 8:15 p.m. for southern Morris, central Mercer, central Somerset and northern Middlesex counties, according to the weather service. Areas under the warning are heavily advised to seek shelter immediately.
Update 8 p.m.: Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for Monmouth, Middlesex, Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset counties
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning that will be in effect until 8 p.m. for Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, north central Monmouth, and Somerset counties.
Severe thunderstorms were located along a line that extended from Whitehouse Station to Lawrenceville, moving northeast at 65 mph. Gusts over 60 mph are possible with these storms.
Update 7:15 p.m.: A tornado warning remains in effect for Mercer and Hunterdon counties
At 7:12 p.m., a confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located over Trenton, moving northeast at 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The warning remains in effect until 7:45 p.m.
Update 6:55 p.m.: Tornado warning lifted for Hunterdon, Mercer and Somerset counties
The tornado warning issued earlier for areas in southeastern Hunterdon, northwestern Mercer and southwestern Somerset counties has expired. Ida, which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado.
However, a tornado watch remains in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday for these areas as Ida continues to pass the region.
Update 6:40 p.m.: Tornado watch expanded to northeast New Jersey
Forecasters from the National Weather Service have expanded the tornado watch advisory to the northeast part of the state, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic and Union counties. The watch is in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday.
Update 6:25 p.m.: More tornado warnings issued for multiple counties until 7 p.m.
Around 6:20 p.m., more severe thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado were located over western part of the state, with more expected to arrive as the storm travels east.
Northwestern Camden, west central Burlington, southwestern Hunterdon, northwestern Mercer, and southwestern Somerset counties are all under the warning until 6:45 and 7 p.m.
"Take cover now," the weather service said. "Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest flood of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to a closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."
Update 6:20 p.m.: Tornado warning issued for Gloucester County
At 6:17 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Mullica Hill, about 14 miles outside Gloucester City, moving northeast at 40 mph, the weather service said.
At 6:26 p.m., a confirmed "large and extremely dangerous" tornado was located over Woodbury Heights, or about 8 miles south of Gloucester City, moving northeast at 40 mph.
"You are in a life-threatening situation," the weather service said.
Areas under this warning may see flying debris that could damage shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed and damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur
Update 6:10 p.m.: Flash flood warning in effect for in effect for 12 counties until further notice
At 6:15 p.m., local law enforcement reported multiple thunderstorms producing heavy rain across most Of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Union counties, according to the National Weather Service.
Between 1 and 3 inches of heavy rainfall has already fallen and an additional 1 to 3 inches more is expected in the next hour. Flash flooding is already occurring and residents are advised to immediately seek shelter in areas under the warning.
Update 4:40 p.m.: Flood warning issued for rivers across northern New Jersey
With parts of the state still recovering from Tropical Storm Henri, which resulted in statewide flooding and evacuations as it made its way through, a flood warning is in effect until further notice for multiple areas near the Passaic River in northern New Jersey.
This includes the Passaic River at Chatham, Pine Brook, above Singac, and Little Falls, affecting areas near Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Somerset counties, according to the weather service. Moderate flooding is expected to occur.
Update 4:15 p.m.: Flash flood warning issued for northwestern counties until 8:15 p.m. Wednesday
Southwestern Hunterdon and southwestern Warren counties are under a flash flood warning, as radar is indicating thunderstorms are producing
heavy rain across these areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Between 1 to 2 inches of heavy rain has already fallen with additional rainfall amounts expected in the afternoon hours, the weather services said. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Update 3:30 p.m.: Line of severe thunderstorms with gusts over 50 mph heading to NJ
Update 1:30 p.m.: Forecasters warn of areas prone to flooding, northern New Jersey should prepare to evacuate
Flooding will be a major concern as Ida approaches, especially for areas in northern New Jersey as these areas are still recovering from impacts of Tropical Storm Henri last week.
If a flood warning is issued, forecasters from the weather service are advising residents to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
Update 12:35 p.m.: High rip current risk in effect Wednesday night through Thursday evening for the coast
Dangerous rip currents are expected along the Atlantic beaches of New Jersey this evening through Thursday night, the weather service said.
Storm surge may rise between 1 to 3 feet for the entire coastline and dangerous swells that could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
More:Jersey Shore rip currents can be deadly. This new forecast could save your life
Update 12:30 p.m.: Tornado watch issued for 15 counties through 10 p.m. Wednesday
A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. for 15 counties across New Jersey, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem, Somerset and Warren counties.
During this time, a few isolated tornadoes are likely to spawn in these areas, but no hail is expected, according to the National Weather Service. Scattered wind gusts are likely to reach up to 75 mph through the evening hours.
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Forecasters anticipate anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of torrential rainfall to fall in the northern counties, with anywhere from 1-3 inches areas expected in the central and southern part of the state by Thursday morning.
"Rainfall amounts from this storm are expected to range from half-an-inch to an inch-and-a-half for southern New Jersey, inch-and-a-half to 3 inches for southwestern and south-central New Jersey, 3 inches to 6 inches along the I-95 corridor, and 4 to 8 inches to the north and northwest of the I-95 corridor, including all the interior," said Steven DiMartino, a private meteorologist with NY NJ PA Weather."
There are no flood warnings in place as of early Wednesday morning, but with parts of northern New Jersey still recovering from the impacts of Tropical Storm Henri, flash flooding and urban flooding remains a major concern.
Some basements may be overwhelmed due to sewer or well backup issues and visibility on roads will be below a mile at times, according to DiMartino.
After having a direct impact on the Gulf Coast near Port Fourchon, Louisiana earlier this week — wiping out power for over 1 million people and resulting in at least four deaths — Ida has weakened back into a tropical depression and was last seen moving into the Central Appalachians as of Wednesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.
This means New Jersey is only a few hours out from Ida fully hovering over the state, but forecasters anticipate the storm to become post-tropical Wednesday.
"The remnants of Ida will approach the region today with periods of rain for much of the region and scattered showers and thunderstorms over southern New Jersey," DiMartino said. "The thunderstorms will be capable of intense downpours, frequent lightning, wind gusts over 40 mph, and isolated tornadoes."
By Wednesday night, Ida's remnants will pass through most of southern New Jersey into the coastal waters, increasing and intensify the risk of extremely intense rainfall along and north of the I-95 corridor and moderate to heavy rainfall over the south, DiMartino said.
Forecasters from the weather service emphasized to seek shelter immediately if any severe thunderstorms are in the area, as they all pose a threat for lightning and flooding.
Temperatures will fall into the 60s Wednesday with winds between 10 to 20 mph and gusts over 40 mph at times, according to DiMartino.
Ida's remnants will exit by Thursday morning, but not without leaving the region with some showers. Skies will clear in the afternoon and evening hours, but gusts will still have the potential to exceed 40 mph Wednesday night through Thursday morning.
Joshua Chung is the 9-5 breaking news and weather reporter. A lifelong Jersey Shore resident, he is a recent graduate of Michigan State University. Contact him at jchung@gannettnj.com, 917-703-9373 or on Twitter @Joshchunggg