Flash Flood in New Jersey, August 20 to 21, 1997

Torrential rain fell across southeast New Jersey as a low pressure system developed over the Delmarva Peninsula and slowly moved northeast across southern New Jersey. A series of thunderstorms developed along this low pressure system's frontal boundaries and trained or moved over the same areas. This caused torrential downpours to fall for several hours across southern and eastern parts of Cumberland County. Storm totals included 10.12 inches in Millville, 8 inches in Cedarville and 7.2 inches in Vineland. Doppler Radar storm total estimates showed 8 to 10 inches prevailed across much of Maurice River Township. The torrential rain caused flash flooding of many rivers and streams in spite of the sandy soil. In Vineland, the heavy rain and flooding along the Menantico Creek washed out two bridges: on Hance Bridge Road (County Route 673) and on Mays Landing Road (County Route 522). The bridges were repaired and reopened about one month later. Large sections of New Jersey State Routes 49 and 55 were closed. In Millville, the Prudential Building had 5 to 6 feet of water in its basement. Five major roads within the city were closed. Sharp Street suffered major erosion. Hankins Pond overflowed and flooded the parking lot of the Millville Senior School. The gage house along the Menantico Creek collapsed. In Maurice River Township, sections of New Jersey State Route 49 were also closed. Total damage was estimated at about 2.1 million dollars. Miraculously, no serious injuries were reported.