New Jersey declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as the state braced for a storm that posed significant risks of heavy rain and flooding, particularly along the already-strained Passaic River. The announcement by Governor Phil Murphy covered all 21 counties across the Garden State, reflecting the potential severity of the upcoming weather event.
The mayors of Wayne, Pompton Lakes, and Lincoln Park, aware of the looming threat, requested the opening of floodgates on the Pompton Lakes Dam to proactively mitigate the risk of downstream flooding. This request, however, was met with a denial from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which asserted that opening the dam would not effectively prevent flooding in this specific case. The decision was based on scientific assessments of how the storm might unfold and interact with existing dam structures.
Governor Murphy, addressing the situation on Tuesday morning, emphasized the importance of relying on scientific evidence in making decisions related to storm preparedness. “Based on the science associated with how these storms play and how the dams then behave, they feel the science is on the side of not doing that,” Murphy stated. He acknowledged that the upcoming period might be challenging but expressed confidence in the scientific judgment of the Environmental Protection team.
The Passaic River, a focal point of concern due to its susceptibility to flooding, began to rise as rain started falling in the afternoon. This raised apprehensions among residents who were still dealing with the aftermath of last month’s flooding. Given the anticipated challenges, some residents took proactive measures, with one family choosing to stay in a hotel for the night, anticipating potential power outages and a repeat of the difficult conditions experienced in December.
Utility company PSE&G had crews on standby to address potential power outages resulting from the storm. Some businesses in the affected areas chose to close preemptively, posting signs that read “Closed due to impending weather.” Emergency services, including the state’s marine unit, were also placed on high alert.
Passaic Fire Chief Patrick Trentacost highlighted the comprehensive preparedness efforts, taking into account potential flooding, high winds, and the impact of rain. Chief Trentacost emphasized the need for caution, particularly when barriers are in place, urging residents not to drive around them to avoid getting stuck in their cars.
Neighboring towns were also taking precautionary measures, with some schools opting to close early in anticipation of adverse weather conditions. The concern stemmed from the powerful coastal storm experienced last month, which led to families being trapped in their homes, widespread flooding of streets, cars, and basements.
While some schools closed early, officials in Wayne revealed that the request to open flood gates early had been denied. Despite this setback, emergency management offices were on standby, with the state’s marine unit ready to respond to potential crises.
Mayor Christopher Vergano of Wayne emphasized the importance of early evacuation and adherence to safety measures. He cautioned residents against driving around barriers, emphasizing that the key to safety was getting out early to protect themselves and their families.
As the storm approached, residents and businesses in the affected areas were bracing for challenging conditions. The threat of heavy rain, strong winds, and the potential impact of melted snow from the previous weekend added to concerns about existing water levels. The denial of the request to open floodgates underscored the complex decision-making process, balancing proactive measures with scientific considerations to effectively manage the potential risks posed by the impending storm.
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