Full Notification

Township of Cranford
Office of Emergency Management
August 6^th, 2024 Flash Flooding Tuesday-Wednesday
Tropical Storm Debby Update Friday-Saturday
 
The following is an update from the Cranford Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as of 08/06/2024 @ 10:00 AM:

The Township of Cranford and the Office of Emergency Management are closely monitoring two storm systems entering our region beginning today, August 6^th 2024.  These systems are expected to carry through the weekend, eventually exiting on August 10^th, 2024. 

CRANFORD’S LATEST FORECAST

August 6^th Weather System:
 
According to the Weather Prediction Center, most of Central New Jersey, including Cranford, is within a “moderate” flash flood risk zone.  It is worth noting that this forecast demonstrates the POTENTIAL for a high-impact/flash flood event this evening through the overnight hours, however, there is a low degree of confidence on the exact impact locations within New Jersey.  Cranford is included in a list of communities within a Flood Watch.  Rainfall is expected to begin this evening and continue overnight into tomorrow, Wednesday, August 7^th.  The heaviest of rainfall bands are expected between 7 PM this evening and 2 AM tomorrow.  In the morning, rainfall could create some delays in commuting due to morning inundations, especially in low-lying locations.
 
Effects of Tropical Storm Debby:
 
Rain will continue until it trickles off Thursday morning, but will return on Friday into Saturday as the residual effects of Tropical Storm Debby.  As of today, this second storm system is projected to move faster across New Jersey than it had previously traveled through Georgia and South Carolina.  The slower a storm moves through a region, the higher the potential for larger inundations of water.
 
The effects of Tropical Storm Debby on New Jersey remain somewhat uncertain as of this report, but residents should be WEATHER-AWARE beginning today. 
 
As a result of recent rainfall, grounds will remain saturated which could create nuisance flooding in traditionally low-lying locations.  Saturated soil creates the possibility of downed trees and power outages, especially as a result of the preceding storm system. 

TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD STORM PREPARATION

The Township’s Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services remain at a full complement of personnel, with the police auxiliary remaining on standby in cases of downed trees, downed power lines, and road closures.   Barricades have been staged at various flash-flood-prone locations throughout the Township. 

The Township has taken precautions, including monitoring river conditions/gates, deploying portable pumps, clearing catch basins, staging equipment, and implementing storm response procedures within the public safety and public works departments. The Cranford DPW is prepared to respond to reports of downed trees blocking township roadways. Locations that are prone to flash-flooding should be considered most at risk during the overnight rainfall.  To see all of the storm management preparation efforts by the Township of Cranford, click on the following link to a video playlist produced by the Township’s OEM and TV35:  OEM - YouTube

We can protect ourselves and our families with some common-sense preparedness measures.

WHAT RESIDENTS SHOULD DO
 
Help the Township by removing any debris from the storm drainage systems nearest your home. 

Residents in flood-prone areas should take common sense precautions and monitor conditions if flooding materializes. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, as the National Weather Service will issue Flood Warnings if conditions materialize. All NWS warnings impacting Cranford will be automatically re-broadcast on NIXLE via email and social media (Facebook and Twitter) and are available on a variety of weather apps and via local news sources.  NIXLE text messaging is used in life-threatening emergencies or urgent notifications only.

Recent rains will also result in elevated water tables, so groundwater flooding in basements, even outside of flood zones, remains a possibility. If you receive seepage in your basements or crawl spaces, residents should monitor what items need to be moved to higher locations within the residence.

PLEASE NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS.  If the heaviest rainfall rates occur over the Cranford area, significant roadway flooding may occur. Flood-prone locations may become inundated with rain runoff.  To see the areas of town that have reported flash-flooding in past storms, Click here. Please do not attempt to drive through roadways that are flooded. Just six inches of water is enough to disable a vehicle and cause life-threatening conditions. Confidence remains low as to where these conditions may occur, however, residents whose streets commonly inundate with water during flash flood occurrences should take preventative measures to safeguard property in advance of any rainfall.  This is a reminder that residents who opt to move their vehicles to higher ground may not park in private parking lots (including school parking lots) without the expressed permission of owners or managing authorities.  Please adhere to all posted parking prohibitions.

Again, there remains a strong potential for 2 to 3 inches of rainfall this evening, with totals over 5+ inches by the end of this weekend. There is the possibility for flooding, including some significant flash flooding, if the right conditions materialize. So, all residents should continue to remain weather aware over the remainder of the day, and if you live in a flood zone, have a plan in place in case the higher-end rainfall impacts our area.  Residents should consider whether their homes are in traditionally low-lying portions of our Township with the potential to experience flash flooding.  Take necessary precautions in advance of any rainfall.

Residents should report any non-emergency utility problems directly at the contact points below.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION FOR UTILITY COMPANIES:

PSE&G 1-800-436-7734

• Report Power Outages to PSEG at: 1-800-436-7734 Download the PSE&G mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
• Register for MyAlerts to receive text notifications at pseg.com/outagecenter.

• Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734). You can also report your outage through our app, website at pseg.com/myaccount

Elizabethtown Gas 1-800-242-5830

New Jersey American Water 1-800-272-1325

Comcast 1-800-266-2278

Verizon FiOS 1-888-438-3467

Verizon 1-800-827-4966
 
Report non-emergent wires or trees down, or other non-emergency calls to Cranford Police & Fire at (908) 272-2222.
 
Report all Emergencies (wires down sparking, trees into homes or buildings, utility emergencies, cars trapped in water, etc) by calling 9-1-1.
 
As a reminder, do not rely on email or social media to report these issues, even if they seem minor or non-emergent. Please always call the non-emergency number if you are concerned and don’t believe it is an emergency warranting a 9-1-1 call.