Flash Floods Inundate Communities

New Jersey faced a severe flooding crisis on July 14, 2025, as intense thunderstorms and torrential rainfall prompted Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency at 8:00 p.m. The declaration came as flash flooding overwhelmed communities across the state, leaving roads impassable and emergency services stretched thin.

Governor’s Emergency Response

The state of emergency grants the Governor enhanced authority to expedite state agency assistance to communities in crisis. This emergency declaration enables the rapid deployment of resources for rescue operations, evacuations, temporary sheltering, and the distribution of essential supplies to affected areas. Executive Order No. 392 declares a State of Emergency across New Jersey due to the dangerous combination of flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, intense rainfall, and damaging wind gusts that battered the state.

Safety Warnings and Travel Restrictions

Governor Murphy issued urgent safety warnings to residents throughout the state. “remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary” became the key message as dangerous conditions persisted into the evening hours. “I have declared a State of Emergency out of an abundance of caution due to flash flooding and severe thunderstorms across the state,” the Governor stated. “I urge New Jerseyans to exercise caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

Widespread Infrastructure Impact

The flooding created havoc across New Jersey’s transportation network. Up to 5 inches of rain fell in parts of northern and central Jersey, causing widespread road closures and infrastructure damage. Multiple reports emerged of roads becoming completely impassable due to the intense downpours. The flooding wasn’t limited to surface streets. Major waterways, including the Passaic River, began overflowing their banks, prompting flood warnings that extended until Tuesday morning. The river’s overflow added to the already dangerous conditions across the region.

Emergency Response Challenges

Even emergency responders found themselves overwhelmed by the severity of the flooding. In northern New Jersey communities like Somerville and Plainfield, both civilian vehicles and emergency response vehicles were caught in the rapidly rising waters. Some vehicles were reported to have been partially overturned by the force of the floodwaters.

Vehicles stranded due to flash flooding were reported in areas including Union County, New Jersey, highlighting the widespread nature of the emergency across multiple counties.

Ongoing Weather Concerns

A flash flood warning was in place in the following New Jersey counties through 9:45 p.m. Monday: Middlesex, Morris and Somerset, with flood watches extending through early Tuesday morning. Weather forecasters warned that the dangerous conditions could persist, with additional rainfall expected in the coming days. The emergency response continues as communities work to assess damage and ensure public safety while the state coordinates resources to assist affected areas across New Jersey.