Flash Flood in New Jersey, August 27, 2000

Thunderstorms with torrential downpours, moved across the same areas in northern Somerset County and caused flash flooding along the U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 78 corridor. In North Plainfield, 3.7 inches of rain fell within two hours. This represents about a 100-year-storm. The worst flooding occurred in areas south of the second ridge of the Watchung Mountains. In North Plainfield, fire fighters waded through four feet of water to rescue people from the tops of their cars. About 50 people were rescued. The water was so deep on U.S. Route 22, that vehicles were floating and crashing into each other. U.S. Route 22 was also closed in Green Brook Township (water rose over the median) as were several other roads. Mudslides from the Watchung Square Shopping Center (along the Watchung/North Plainfield Township border) spilled across U.S. Route 22. In North Plainfield, the Stony Brook flooded Grove Street. Five additional roads were closed. Road closures also occurred in Bedminster, Branchburg and Warren Townships. In Bridgewater Township, water was two feet deep in the backyards of many homes. Storm totals included 4.00 inches in North Plainfield and 2.29 inches in Watchung. The frequent lightning and flooding rains caused about 3,000 customers to lose power. No serious injuries were reported.