A devastating nor’easter continues to pound New Jersey, unleashing catastrophic flooding that has submerged neighborhoods and crippled infrastructure. The National Weather Service warns life-threatening flash floods may persist through Tuesday, with some areas already seeing over 6 inches of rain.

Emergency crews are conducting water rescues as the Demarest Dam’s partial collapse worsens flooding in Bergen County, forcing evacuations and school closures. With rivers still rising and power outages affecting 120,000 homes, officials fear this could become New Jersey’s worst flood event in decades.

As the stalled storm system promises more torrential downpours, residents brace for what climate scientists call a “new normal” of intensified autumn nor’easters.

New Jersey Nor’easter Flooding: Extent of Damage, Road Closures, and When Relief Will Come as Storms Continue

New Jersey Underwater: How Severe Is the Flooding?

A catastrophic nor’easter has submerged large portions of New Jersey, with floodwaters reaching historic levels in Bergen, Essex, and Union counties. The storm has dumped over 7 inches of rain since Monday, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rivers to spill their banks. Emergency responders have conducted over 200 high-water rescues, with the National Guard deployed to assist in hardest-hit areas.

The Demarest Dam’s partial collapse has created dangerous downstream flooding conditions, forcing evacuations in three municipalities. Satellite imagery shows floodwaters covering major highways including sections of I-80 and Route 17, with dozens of road closures still in effect. First responders report water levels in some neighborhoods haven’t been this high since Hurricane Sandy.

These flood patterns mirror what climate models predicted – aging infrastructure simply can’t handle the increased precipitation intensities we’re now seeing annually.

Worst-Affected Areas

• Demarest: Multiple structural collapses near dam
• Moonachie: 90% of homes with basement flooding
• Little Ferry: Cars completely submerged on main streets
• Haworth: Emergency boil water notice issued

Road Closures and Transportation Chaos

New Jersey’s transportation network has been paralyzed by the storm, with NJ Transit suspending rail service on six lines due to track flooding. The Port Authority has reported major delays at all tunnels entering New York City, with the Lincoln Tunnel’s north tube closed for emergency pumping operations.

Key road closures include:

• Route 4 eastbound between Hackensack and Teaneck
• I-287 exit ramps in Mahwah
• Route 17 northbound in Paramus

The transportation disruptions highlight how vulnerable our regional connectivity is – when New Jersey floods, the entire tri-state area feels the economic impact.

Air Travel Impacts

Newark Liberty International Airport has canceled over 300 flights, with terminal access roads flooded in places. The FAA has implemented ground stops during peak rainfall periods, creating ripple effects across East Coast air travel. Travelers are advised to check flight status before heading to airports.

When Will the Rain Stop? Updated Forecast

The National Weather Service predicts the nor’easter will finally begin moving offshore Friday night, but not before dropping another 1-3 inches of rain across already saturated ground. Coastal areas remain at risk for life-threatening flash flooding through Saturday morning’s high tide cycle.

Meteorologists note the storm’s unusual staying power, with the system essentially stalled over the Mid-Atlantic due to a blocked jet stream pattern. This mirror’s 2012 conditions during Superstorm Sandy, though with less wind damage and more precipitation focus.

7-Day Outlook

This storm demonstrates how climate change is altering weather persistence – what used to be 24-hour events now regularly last 3-4 days with intensified rainfall.

Emergency Response and Shelter Information

New Jersey has activated 15 emergency shelters across seven counties, housing over 1,200 displaced residents as of Thursday night. The Red Cross is coordinating with local agencies to provide:

• Temporary housing for flood victims
• Hot meals and emergency supplies
• Medical support for vulnerable populations

Governor Murphy has requested federal disaster assistance, citing preliminary damage estimates exceeding $50 million. FEMA teams are expected to begin assessments this weekend once floodwaters recede.

How to Help

Verified organizations accepting donations:

1. NJ Flood Relief Fund
2. Community FoodBank of New Jersey
3. American Red Cross – Northern NJ Chapter

Power Outages and Utility Restoration Efforts

Over 150,000 customers remain without electricity as downed trees continue to take out power lines across northern New Jersey. Jersey Central Power & Light reports:

• 1,200 crew members working 16-hour shifts
• 500 additional linemen imported from neighboring states
• 75% restoration expected by Sunday night

The utility warns some remote areas may experience outages into next week where floodwaters prevent equipment access. Emergency generators have been deployed to critical care facilities and pumping stations.

These extended outages reveal a troubling pattern – our power infrastructure needs climate-resilient redesign, not just repairs after each disaster.

Safety Reminders

Officials caution residents to:

• Never approach downed power lines
• Use generators outdoors only
• Report outages immediately

Climate Change Connection: Why These Storms Are Changing

The current nor’easter exemplifies three climate change-driven transformations in northeast storms:

1. 40% more rainfall than similar 1990s storms
2. Slower movement causing prolonged impacts
3. Higher coastal flooding from sea level rise

Scientists note the region has seen a 25% increase in extreme precipitation events since 2000, with outdated infrastructure unable to handle the new rainfall intensities. Climate models project these trends will accelerate through the 2030s.

We’re witnessing the ‘new abnormal’ – storm patterns that exceed historical records while becoming increasingly frequent. Adaptation requires both better infrastructure and revised floodplain maps.

Historical Comparison