Advisory
Cranford OEM Weather Update - Flash Flooding Potential July 31st, 2025
The following is an update from the Cranford Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as of 07/31/2025 @ 12:45 PM:
The Township of Cranford and the Office of Emergency Management are providing the following details on the anticipated heavy rainfall and flash flooding event that may affect our Township on July 31st, 2025.
CRANFORD’S FORECAST: July 31st Weather System forecast from the NWS:
**Excessive Rainfall and Flash Flooding Report**
We're currently monitoring a significant flood threat that will impact the entire state, and that may include parts of our area as well. The afternoon/early evening is the period of time that is being closely monitored. Initially, showers & storms will be isolated to scattered before becoming most widespread 4 - 8 PM. While there is a low risk for severe thunderstorms, heavy, torrential, repeated downpours are the biggest threat. These rains will result in some spots (not everyone) seeing 3 - 6" in the span of just a few hours. In these localized areas, poor drainage and road flooding is a given, and impacts can be worse than normal, with some full road closures, and maybe even necessitating a few water rescues. Thankfully, the worst of the rain winds down this evening with rain later tonight much lighter and likely not problematic.
All of New Jersey is under a flash flood watch through Friday morning, with the heaviest rainfall expected between 2 and 9 p.m. on Thursday. A state of emergency has been declared for New Jersey with widespread flooding and severe thunderstorms in the forecast. Residents should not be alarmed by this declaration, as this is a necessary step for the State of New Jersey to deploy necessary resources before, during, and after a storm.
**Preventative Measures Taken Ahead of Storm Landfall**
Recently, 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 31st, 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.
Part of our storm preparedness includes the staging of road-blocking equipment in the areas where flash flooding has been observed. Residents may see barricades curbside at these locations in preparation for this afternoon’s storm. If the bands of rain intensify, emergency personnel may deploy these barricades out of an abundance of caution, before flash flooding begins. Motorists are encouraged to remain off the roadways during peak hours of this storm, which appears to be from 4 - 8 PM today, July 31st, 2025.
For a listing of roadways that have an increased potential for surface flooding, visit https://www.cranfordnj.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif436/f/uploads/ccf_000383.pdf
The “bullseye” of this storm appears to center in Mercer County, and rainfall in certain portions of New Jersey will be heavier than usual in some spots that can’t be exactly pinpointed by forecasters. As a result, Cranford remains in the upper portion of the “moderate” risk factor, or a 3 out of 4 risk for flash flooding.
As the rainfall begins, Cranford Emergency Personnel will begin the process of monitoring upstream telemetry, which is an advanced indicator of potential river flooding. For river monitoring protocols, visit the OEM’s Flooding and Flash Flooding Emergencies Page here: https://www.cranfordnj.org/office-emergency-management/pages/flooding-and-flash-flooding-emergencies
**What Residents Should Do**
Residents are encouraged to help the Township by clearing any debris from catch basins near their homes. Staying weather-aware is essential.
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. Encourage newer neighbors to register for NIXLE notifications.
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
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.
Cranford OEM Weather Update - Flash Flooding Potential July 31st, 2025 
Township of Cranford
Office of Emergency Management
July 31st, 2025 Weather Briefing
Flash Flooding Potential
Office of Emergency Management
July 31st, 2025 Weather Briefing
Flash Flooding Potential
The following is an update from the Cranford Office of Emergency Management (OEM) as of 07/31/2025 @ 12:45 PM:
The Township of Cranford and the Office of Emergency Management are providing the following details on the anticipated heavy rainfall and flash flooding event that may affect our Township on July 31st, 2025.
CRANFORD’S FORECAST: July 31st Weather System forecast from the NWS:
**Excessive Rainfall and Flash Flooding Report**
We're currently monitoring a significant flood threat that will impact the entire state, and that may include parts of our area as well. The afternoon/early evening is the period of time that is being closely monitored. Initially, showers & storms will be isolated to scattered before becoming most widespread 4 - 8 PM. While there is a low risk for severe thunderstorms, heavy, torrential, repeated downpours are the biggest threat. These rains will result in some spots (not everyone) seeing 3 - 6" in the span of just a few hours. In these localized areas, poor drainage and road flooding is a given, and impacts can be worse than normal, with some full road closures, and maybe even necessitating a few water rescues. Thankfully, the worst of the rain winds down this evening with rain later tonight much lighter and likely not problematic.
All of New Jersey is under a flash flood watch through Friday morning, with the heaviest rainfall expected between 2 and 9 p.m. on Thursday. A state of emergency has been declared for New Jersey with widespread flooding and severe thunderstorms in the forecast. Residents should not be alarmed by this declaration, as this is a necessary step for the State of New Jersey to deploy necessary resources before, during, and after a storm.
**Preventative Measures Taken Ahead of Storm Landfall**
Recently, 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 31st, 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.
Part of our storm preparedness includes the staging of road-blocking equipment in the areas where flash flooding has been observed. Residents may see barricades curbside at these locations in preparation for this afternoon’s storm. If the bands of rain intensify, emergency personnel may deploy these barricades out of an abundance of caution, before flash flooding begins. Motorists are encouraged to remain off the roadways during peak hours of this storm, which appears to be from 4 - 8 PM today, July 31st, 2025.
For a listing of roadways that have an increased potential for surface flooding, visit https://www.cranfordnj.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif436/f/uploads/ccf_000383.pdf
The “bullseye” of this storm appears to center in Mercer County, and rainfall in certain portions of New Jersey will be heavier than usual in some spots that can’t be exactly pinpointed by forecasters. As a result, Cranford remains in the upper portion of the “moderate” risk factor, or a 3 out of 4 risk for flash flooding.
As the rainfall begins, Cranford Emergency Personnel will begin the process of monitoring upstream telemetry, which is an advanced indicator of potential river flooding. For river monitoring protocols, visit the OEM’s Flooding and Flash Flooding Emergencies Page here: https://www.cranfordnj.org/office-emergency-management/pages/flooding-and-flash-flooding-emergencies
**What Residents Should Do**
Residents are encouraged to help the Township by clearing any debris from catch basins near their homes. Staying weather-aware is essential.
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. Encourage newer neighbors to register for NIXLE notifications.
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.
Address/Location
Cranford Police Department
8 Springfield Ave
Cranford, NJ 07016
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 908-272-2222
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP CRANFORDPD followed by your message, to 888777
