Flash Flood and Flooding in New Jersey, January 3, 1999

With cold air in place along the surface, as a strong low pressure system moved northeast across the Great Lakes, a second low formed over the Mid-Atlantic States and moved northeast across Long Island during Sunday afternoon, January 3rd.A light intermittent mix of sleet and freezing rain began just before midnight on Sunday. As an icy coating developed on road surfaces below freezing, some significant traffic accidents occurred across the region from midnight through 3 am. The most significant multi-vehicle accident occurred on Rte. 80 in South Hackensack (Bergen County) around 2:30 am.However, as southeast winds increased, gusting from 45 to 50 mph, surface temperatures quickly rose above freezing from the immediate coast west during the night. An intense narrow band of torrential rain developed within a large area of steady rain. Rain fell on a frozen ground surface at rates as high as 3 inches per hour. This resulted in rapid runoff that caused widespread flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas. In Fort Lee (Bergen County), mudslides were reported along Route 4 that disrupted traffic. Strong gusty winds also downed tree branches in Roselle (Union County).Here are selected rainfall amounts across the region:o In Bergen County, from 1.01 inches at Franklin Lakes to 2.67 inches at Ridgewood. At Teterboro, 2.36 inches was measured. At the Harrington Park School Weather Station, the maximum rainfall rate was measured at 3.48 inches per hour.o In Essex County, from 1.69 inches at Essex Fells to 3.18 inches at Verona. At Newark Airport, 2.57 inches was measured.o In Union County, 2.12 inches was measured at Elizabeth.o In Hudson County, 2.51 inches was measured in Harrison.