Flooding in New Jersey, May 11 to 12, 1998

A slow moving storm moved south and east of the Mid-Atlantic Coast from Friday, May 8th through Monday, May 11th. It produced rainfall amounts from 3 to 6 inches across the area. Bands of heavy rain fell primarily during Saturday and Sunday (May 9th and 10th).With wet antecedent conditions in place during the previous 11 days, moderate flooding on mainstem rivers in the central portions of the Passaic Basin occurred on the Passaic, Wanaque, Pequannock, and Pompton Rivers. Minor flooding of smaller rivers and streams occurred in the headwaters of the Passaic Basin.For Passaic County:o In Wayne - up to 3 feet of water flooded Fayette Ave. on the banks of Passaic River. Wayne township declared a state of emergency in four neighborhoods on May 11th as the Pompton River overflowed its' banks. Water rose as high as backyard fences and people needed hip boots to walk in the Hoffman Grove Section of Wayne.o In Pompton Lakes - four streets in the southern end of the borough were particularly hard hit: Cedar, Walnut, Laurel, and Willow Avenues from the rain-swollen Pequannock River. About 15 homes received flood damage and some residents were forced to evacuate their homes. Water flooded basements, garages, and first floors of houses.In Northwest Essex County, the town of Fairfield received moderate flooding as the Passaic River overflowed its' banks. In Fairfield, Lane Road and Camp Lane were under 3 feet of water as row boats were the main form of transportation through Tuesday afternoon.