Flash flooding triggers dozens of water rescues across North Jersey
In Fair Lawn, firefighters responded to multiple flooding-related calls throughout the evening, including a rescue that involved a person who climbed onto the roof of a submerged vehicle on McBride Avenue.
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Severe storms caused widespread flash flooding across North Jersey Friday night, which prompted dozens of water rescues as drivers became stranded in flooded roadways.
Firefighters in Glen Rock rescued two people from a vehicle that became submerged on Maple Avenue beneath a railroad trestle. The car was quickly overwhelmed by rising water, with only the sunroof visible above the surface.
In Fair Lawn, firefighters responded to multiple flooding-related calls throughout the evening, including a rescue that involved a person who climbed onto the roof of a submerged vehicle on McBride Avenue.
"People don't realize...how deep the water is," said Lt. Doug Sadowski, of the Fair Lawn Fire Department. "They happen just to drive through these large expanses of water. Before they know it, they're underwater and they get themselves stuck."
In neighboring Hawthorne, firefighters rescued more than 20 people from vehicles that were trapped by floodwaters.
The department released photos which showed several streets inundated by the storm.
No injuries were reported in the rescues.
Officials continue to urge residents to use caution and avoid flooded areas during periods of heavy rain.
"The sewer systems, the storm drains aren't able to keep up with the huge amount of water, the huge rainstorms that hit," Sadowski said.
