NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall unleashed chaos across northern New Jersey on July 14, 2025, triggering severe flash flooding that submerged roadways, stranded motorists, and overwhelmed communities. The deluge transformed streets into rivers, leaving neighborhoods inundated and infrastructure crippled.
In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency on Monday evening, July 14, 2025, effective immediately, urging residents to prioritize safety. “I am declaring a State of Emergency given flash flooding and high levels of rainfall in parts of the state,” Murphy announced. “Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” he emphasized in a statement shared on social media.
The flooding wreaked havoc on major transportation arteries, paralyzing travel across the region. Key roadways impacted include:
– **Route 22**: In areas like Watchung, entire sections of the highway were submerged, with floodwaters lifting vehicles and leaving some stranded atop concrete barriers. Emergency responders have been deployed to assist trapped motorists, with local authorities issuing urgent advisories to avoid the area.
– **New Jersey Turnpike**: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes faced severe flooding, causing lane closures and extensive traffic delays. Portions of the Turnpike were reported as impassable, with water levels continuing to rise, exacerbating the crisis.
Scenes of devastation have emerged from affected areas, with social media and local reports capturing cars half-submerged, intersections transformed into torrents, and parking lots overwhelmed by rushing water. In Watchung, a nixle alert issued at 5:38 p.m. warned of heavy flooding, including on Route 22, urging motorists to avoid driving. By 6:15 p.m., several roads were closed, and residents were asked to shelter in place.
The National Weather Service issued multiple Flash Flood Warnings for counties including Mercer, Middlesex, and Morris, highlighting life-threatening conditions in creeks, streams, urban areas, and highways. Authorities have reiterated the critical message: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” emphasizing that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. The ongoing threat of flash flooding is expected to persist as additional rainfall is forecast through Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Emergency management teams are mobilizing across the state, with the State Emergency Operations Center activated to coordinate resources. High-water rescue vehicles are being deployed, and officials are working to mitigate further damage. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has directed residents to monitor updates via ready.nj.gov and local National Weather Service channels for real-time information.
Public reaction has been mixed, with frustration mounting over perceived delays in emergency preparedness. Some residents have voiced concerns on social media, with one user stating, “The infrastructure’s taking a hit, and climate chaos isn’t slowing down,” reflecting broader anxieties about recurring flooding events. Others have criticized federal response, with sentiments like, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” highlighting dissatisfaction with past experiences.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unspecified, but officials are urging residents to stay vigilant, follow safety protocols, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced. Those experiencing flood-related emergencies are advised to contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation, with further updates expected as the weather event unfolds.
