Torrential rain triggers flash flooding across Central New Jersey
Roads were submerged, traffic came to a crawl and officials urged drivers to avoid flooded streets as storms moved through the region.
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Heavy rain swept across Central New Jersey Tuesday, triggering flash flooding that turned roadways into rivers and created dangerous driving conditions during the evening commute.
The Garden State Parkway was among the hardest-hit roadways. Near mile marker 120 northbound in the Keyport area, drivers slowed to a crawl as standing water covered parts of the highway, making travel hazardous during the height of the storm.
In Edison, floodwaters covered sections of Route 1. Some drivers carefully made their way through the high water, while others created large wakes as they passed through the flooded roadway.
Just down the road, runoff from Route 1 spilled onto Dean's Lane, sending water rushing beneath an overpass and making the road impassable. Drivers were forced to turn around as floodwaters blocked the roadway.
In South Brunswick, police officers monitored flooded streets and stopped drivers who ignored road closure barricades and traffic cones. Officers warned motorists to stay off flooded roads and avoid driving through standing water.
Flooding also impacted portions of Livingston Avenue in North Brunswick, where drivers slowed as they navigated through deep water. In one unusual scene, a snapping turtle was spotted swimming across the flooded roadway, highlighting just how much water had accumulated.
Officials urged residents to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary, reminding drivers that even a small amount of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
Their message remained clear throughout the storm: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
