Severe Thunderstorms Cause Flooding and Road Closures in North Jersey
Severe thunderstorms swept through North Jersey on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, causing significant flooding and road closures across the region. Heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over a month's worth of rain in just 24 hours, has led to rising water levels in rivers and overwhelmed storm drains. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for northeastern New Jersey and southeastern New York, effective from 8 a.m. Tuesday through Wednesday evening. Reports indicate that North Haledon received 1.82 inches of rain on Tuesday, following 2.13 inches on Monday. Other towns, including Hackettstown and Cedar Grove, also experienced heavy rainfall. Emergency services have been actively responding to incidents, including rescuing 20 individuals trapped by floodwaters in Paterson. Numerous roadways, including sections of Route 280, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway, have been closed due to flooding and fallen trees.