National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Bergen County from 6PM Today Through 6PM Tomorrow

Bergen County OEM is continuing to monitor a storm system that will affect our area, with rain, starting later this morning and continuing through tomorrow morning. The heaviest rain will occur between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning (5pm -2am). Total rainfall is expected to be around 2 -3 inches for the entire event.

Excessive runoff, combined with snow melt, will result in moderate to major flash flooding of rivers, small creeks, streams, and other low lying and flood prone locations. Urban flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas is likely. This will be quicker than usual because the ground is already saturated and there will be significant snow melt with rising temperatures.

Minor to Moderate tidal flooding is possible for this event. The Hackensack and Passaic River may see minor to moderate flooding during the high tide cycles.

Hackensack River High Tide @ Hackensack:

Passaic River High Tide @ E. Rutherford:

Saddle River at Lodi is expected to crest Wednesday, at 1200 hours, at 8.1 ft

Winds will be 15-25 mph, with gusts to 35-45 mph. Winds may cause down tree limbs, resulting in power outages.

We will continue to monitor this situation and issue updates as necessary.

HACKENSACK RIVER WATERSHED AREA:
Bergen County officials have been in contact with Veolia Water company representatives regarding this event. All 3 dams are currently spilling. Since all dams are spilling, whatever rain falls and snow melts upstream will be passed downstream. Keep in mind that this storm will continue to effect the reservoirs with run off through Thursday morning, even after the rain stops in Bergen County.


PLEASE BE SURE TO TAKE APPROPRIATE MITIGATION ACTIONS TO PROTECT FLOOD PRONE PROPERTIES.