Floodwaters force thousands from their homes in New Jersey

Floodwaters are continuing to rise in several towns along the Delaware River, prompting Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) to declare a statewide emergency Thursday.
In Trenton, some roads are closed due to flooding. The Island section is also completely evacuated. Some from the Cedar Bridge Military Academy are helping local authorities check homes for any remaining residents. The Trenton mayor has also asked that people conserve water after he shut down the filtration system at the city water plant.
Meanwhile, in Phillipsburg, approximately 100 people evacuated their homes, while businesses along the Delaware River set up sandbags. The river was nearly 14 feet above flood stage and is expected to crest during the day. Officials are keeping a close eye on the debris and bridges as the floodwaters rise.
Despite sunny skies and reduced flooding predictions, police are urging residents not to return home. Emergency officials say the Delaware River's water levels are still too high to allow evacuees back into the affected areas. Corzine is expected to decide later in the day if non-essential state workers must report to work Friday.
Related Information: News 12 New Jersey?s coverage of flooding in Lambertville News 12 New Jersey?s coverage of flooding in PhillipsburgFlooding sparks Corzine to declare limited state of emergency