Flash Flooding in New Jersey, August 14, 1999

A series of thunderstorms with torrential downpours caused urban and poor drainage flooding as well as flash flooding of streams and creeks in Mercer County and also in adjoining sections of Northwestern Burlington County. Doppler Radar storm total estimates ranged between 2 and 5 inches across the area. Most of the rain fell within three hours. Poor drainage flooding forced the suspension of AMTRAK 's Northeast Corridor Service from 330 a.m. EDT through 622 a.m. EDT. All the railroad tracks in Trenton were under at least 18 inches of water. All tracks were back in service at 319 p.m. EDT. Both the Assunpink and Shabakunk Creeks flooded and widespread street flooding was also reported. In Lawrence Township, a clogged roof drain led to a roof collapse at the Triangle Creative Center. Flooding was reported along the Shabakunk Creek in Ewing. Six roadways were closed. The Assunpink Creek in Trenton reached its 7 foot flood stage at 3 a.m. EDT on the 14th, crested at 8.75 feet at 8 a.m. EDT and was back within bankfull at 10 a.m. EDT on the 14th. Heavy rain started falling around 1230 a.m. EDT on the 14th and continued as a series of thunderstorms passed across the same areas until around 3 a.m. EDT. Storm totals included 5.30 inches in Trenton, 4.40 inches in Ewing, 4.25 inches at Mercer County Airport, 4.12 inches in Groveville, 3.91 inches at McGuire AFB and West Windsor, 3.90 inches at Washington Crossing, 3.44 inches in Hamilton Square, 3.24 inches in Hightstown and 2.66 inches in Princeton. No serious injuries were reported.