Fairfield flooding aftermath: Damage assessment, cleanup begins

Route 46 east in Fairfield and Exit 47B off Route 80 East have reopened.

Lanette Espy and Lauren Due

Dec 21, 2023, 10:27 AM

Updated 301 days ago

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Fairfield remains under a local state of emergency as of Thursday afternoon due to severe flooding and students in the school district also have no school again.
The Passaic River crested Wednesday morning and the water levels are coming down. The river is still in a major flood stage and several roads remain closed and impassable in the township as of Thursday morning.
Route 46 East in Fairfield and Exit 47B off Route 80 East reopened on Thursday. Some other major roadways remain closed, including:
  • Bloomfield Avenue
  • Horseneck Road (from Hollywood Avenue to the Montville line)
  • Little Falls Road at Pier Lane and at Carlos Drive
  • Two Bridges Road into Lincoln Park
Fairfield police say the next phase of the flood emergency includes damage assessment and clean-up.
Officials say it's important that residents who have water in their basements and who also have water surrounding their homes at the same time, resist pumping out their basements until the water surrounding their homes recedes.
In the meantime, residents with property damage are encouraged to take pictures to help with personal flood insurance claims.
Watch below as Fairfield police answers flooding questions:
The Red Cross was in flood-affected communities on Thursday, delivering emergency supplies including clean-up kits, water and snacks. Pick-up is located at the Wayne Township OEM building. In addition, residents can pick up clean-up kits, water and snacks at:
  • Wayne (1 Pal Drive)
  • Lincoln Park Public Library (12 US-202)
  • Dover (41 E Blackwell St.)
  • Little Falls Civic Center (19 Warren St.)