Posted by : Matthew Nazzaro  On January 9th, 2024 2:09 pm

      

The following is an update from the Cranford Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as of 01/09/2024 @ 1:30 PM:

As a result of a coastal storm causing hazardous weather conditions including heavy rain, high winds and flash flooding, as of January 9^th, 2024 at 5:00PM, Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency.
 
This Coastal Storm system will impact our area beginning the evening hours of Tuesday into Wednesday which could result in rainfall rates in excess of ½ inch per hours in certain areas of the State. This storm has the potential to cause significant flash flooding of roadways, as well as flooding near flood prone areas near the river and small streams. Confidence in our area receiving rainfall totals which produce significant flooding remains high and there is the potential that we will experience these impacts for the remainder of the morning and into the early afternoon hours Wednesday January 10^th, 2024.  As of today’s forecast, there is about 2 to 3 inches of rainfall expected, with the possibility of 3.5 inches of rain in total.  This will also coincide with increasing astronomical tides with a new moon on January 11^th.  Compounding this expected accumulation of rain is the pre-existing saturation of ground and inland waterways.  Please be advised that while Cranford did not receive an accumulation of snow during this past weekend’s winter storm, communities north of Cranford that did have an accumulation of snow will experience melting snowpack - adding to any runoff in our community.
 
In addition to the rain, strong wind gusts are expected in the area which may cause downed limbs and more pressing, downed power lines.  If you see a downed power line, assume that it is energized and stay clear of it. 
 
What residents should immediately do in response to this information:
 
Take necessary precautions in advance of any significant rainfall.  If you live in an area of town that is low-lying and subject to flash flooding, take necessary precautions in advance of the storm, not during the storm, to safeguard your household and property – including your vehicles. 
 
We can protect ourselves and our families with some common-sense preparedness measures.

Residents in flood prone areas should monitor conditions if flooding materializes. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, as the National Weather Service will issue Flood Warnings if conditions materialize. All NWS warnings impacting Cranford will be automatically re-broadcast on Nixle and are available on a variety of weather apps and via local news sources.  TV35 is actively broadcasting emergency alerts on their station, YouTube, and 680AM radio.
 
If you have a catch basin near your home that appears obstructed by debris, help the Township by clearing it to facilitate drainage.

If the heaviest rainfall rates occur over the Cranford area, significant roadway flooding may occur. Flood prone locations may become inundated with rain runoff. The most likely time for this will be during the overnight hours Tuesday into Wednesday - continuing throughout the day Wednesday January 10^th, 2024.
 
What the Township of Cranford has done in preparation for this weather event:

The Township has taken extensive emergency preparedness precautions, including opening river gates and deploying pumps, and has implemented storm response procedures within the public safety and public works departments. Our portable pumps have been deployed to Balmiere Parkway and our Riverside Drive pumphouse has been inspected by DPW Management and is operational.  The Cranford Police Department has a supply of cones and barricades staged in areas of the community that traditionally experience flash flooding, but barricades will not be deployed until after any wind gusts subside.  Lastly, manpower for the Cranford Police Department, Cranford Fire Department and Cranford First Aid Squad is at a full complement for any influx in emergency calls for service. 
 
Additional considerations:

PLEASE NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS. Just six inches of water is enough to disable a vehicle and cause life-threatening conditions. Please also be mindful of school dismissal times and the evening rush hour tonight, and give yourself extra travel time.  Please also be mindful that despite the rain stopping, the river may continue to rise due to runoff for 12-24 hours.  During the December 18^th, 2023 storm, flash flooding occurred in roadways nearly 12 hours after the rain had subsided. 

In addition, overbanking of the river and brooks may occur if the highest rainfall totals impact the Union or Essex County areas. If you live in a flood prone location, monitor weather conditions and have a plan in the event that flood warnings are issued.  Recent rains will also result in elevated water tables, so ground water flooding in basements, even outside of flood zones, remains a possibility.

Again, there remains a strong potential for 2 to 3 inches of rainfall, which increases this storm's impacts to Cranford. There is the possibility for flooding, including some significant flash flooding, if the right conditions materialize. So, all residents should continue to remain weather aware over the remainder of the day, and if you live in a flood zone, have a plan in place in case the higher-end rainfall impacts our area.  Residents should consider whether their homes are in traditionally low-lying portions of our Township with the potential to experience flash flooding. 

Residents should report any non-emergency utility problems directly at the contact points below.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR UTILITY COMPANIES:

PSE&G 1-800-436-7734
Elizabethtown Gas 1-800-242-5830
New Jersey American Water 1-800-272-1325
Comcast 1-800-266-2278
Verizon FiOS 1-888-438-3467
Verizon 1-800-827-4966

As always, please reserve 9-1-1 for LIFE SAFETY EMERGENCIES ONLY. 

#     #     #

Release by Captain Matthew R. Nazzaro

908-709-3990