Full Notification

Township of Cranford
Office of Emergency Management
July 14^th, 2025 Weather Debrief
Flash Flooding Event
 
The following is an update from the Cranford Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as of 07/15/2025 @ 10:30 AM:

The Township of Cranford and the Office of Emergency Management are providing the following details on the recent heavy rainfall and flash flooding event that affected our Township on July 14^th, 2025. 

CRANFORD’S FORECAST:  July 14^th Weather System forecast from the NWS:
 


 
**Excessive Rainfall and Flash Flooding Report**
 
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), excessive rainfall was expected in the region on July 14^th, 2025. As of 5:15 AM, Cranford was categorized under a "slight" risk for scattered flash flooding. Throughout the day, various models forecasted rainfall amounts ranging from 1.5 inches to 3 inches. Flash flooding alerts were first issued to the Township around 11:00 AM. Consequently, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) mobilized and created a public message with the latest forecast by 2:45 PM. NWS alerts were automatically rebroadcast via NIXLE throughout the day, and the OEM sent a direct message at 4:30 PM, including text notifications. As the first round of showers entered the region and flash flooding was observed, a second NIXLE was issued directing individuals not to travel through flooded roadways at 6:10 PM.
 
**Preventative Measures Taken Ahead of Storm Landfall**
 
Last week, power redundancies at both the pump house and the municipal building were professionally inspected to ensure continuity of operations at both facilities.
 
The Cranford Department of Public Works (DPW) began clearing catch basins early on July 14th, 2025. Additionally, DPW leadership initiated the process of opening flood gates, notified downstream neighboring communities, and deployed portable pumps on Balmiere Parkway. During storm preparation, this weather event primarily threatened surface flooding rather than river flooding.
 
Staffing within the Cranford Police Department was enhanced by specialized personnel and police auxiliary units. The Cranford Fire Department added personnel to bolster their response capacity during this weather event. DPW staff ensured that the pumps on Balmiere Parkway were operational.

**Response Summary**
 
Meteorologists have noted that this weather system had unprecedented impacts, causing flash flooding in areas that had never experienced such conditions before. While the forecast predicted up to 3 inches of rain locally, Cranford recorded approximately 5 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 6.5 inches. Municipalities to the west of Cranford experienced over 8 inches of rain, with peak rainfall rates between 2 and 3 inches per hour.
 
Most of the emergency responses involved disabled vehicles attempting to navigate flooded roadways. By the time this report was written, 16 vehicles had become disabled in flooded areas. The Cranford Fire Department conducted two rescues from vehicles and assisted one person at home. The Fire Department also responded to a report of a river embankment adjacent to a private residence partially collapsing into the water, but there was no damage to the house. One downed tree was reported on Cranford Avenue.  Thankfully, there were no reported injuries during this weather event.
 
While this is not an exhaustive list, flash flooding occurred on South Union Avenue, Hillcrest Avenue, Burnside Avenue, Springfield Avenue, Willow Street, West Holly Street, North Avenue, South Avenue, Casino Avenue, and Fairfield Avenue, among other locations. Whenever possible, barricades or cones were deployed to close affected roadways.
 
**River Monitoring**
 
After the initial downpour, Cranford OEM continued to monitor river levels for downstream runoff. The Springfield Telemetry indicated that Cranford was in a "minor flood stage," which historically means nuisance-like impacts caused by the river. This was especially evident in the most flood-prone areas of town, including Sperry Park and near Droecher’s Mill. The Springfield Telemetry showed that the river crested at 7.97 feet in Springfield as of 8:15 PM and began to decline. Had the levels continued to rise, reaching 8.5 feet would have categorized the Rahway River as a "moderate flood stage." The Kenilworth Telemetry, from the Lenape Park Basin, crested around 2:15 AM and started its downward trend. The timing difference is attributed to Lenape Park Basin's role as a reservoir during heavy rain events. Residents may notice a 6- to 7-hour gap between when the Springfield Telemetry starts to decrease and when Kenilworth's Telemetry peaks.
 
A briefing was held on July 14^th, 2025 at 10:00 PM and broadcast on TV35.  Participating in this briefing was Mayor Terrence Curran, Police Chief Matthew Nazzaro, Fire Chief Dan Czeh, and TV 35 Station Manager Don Smith.
 
**After Action Report**
 
All roadways have been reopened, and a preliminary damage assessment shows no power outages, limited tree damage, and no other damage to public property. Some residents reported seepage in their basements, which they will address with their insurance carriers and garbage haulers; however, widespread damage from this weather event has not been reported.  In our after-action review of this event, the most impacted areas were consistent with prior storms and the Township’s flash flood maps.
 
**What Residents Should Do**
 
Residents are encouraged to help the Township by clearing any debris from catch basins near their homes. With more rain projected this week, staying weather-aware is essential.
 
Residents who experienced damage to their property should begin the process of contacting their insurance carrier and garbage hauler to safely remove any damaged property.  In the past, Federal disaster declarations were key to the removal of widespread debris from our community.  As there has not been a disaster declaration for our area, no debris should be placed curbside without a private removal plan by the homeowner. 
 
Individuals living in flood-prone areas should take common-sense precautions and monitor conditions for potential flooding. It is advisable to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, as the National Weather Service will issue Flood Warnings if necessary. All NWS warnings affecting Cranford will be automatically rebroadcast via NIXLE through email and social media (Facebook and Twitter), and they will be available on various weather apps and local news sources. NIXLE text messaging will be used in life-threatening situations.
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.