Burlington County homeowners still pumping out flood water as more rain moves in
DELRAN, N.J. - Tuesday night's storms brought a deluge of rain and destructive winds across New Jersey and hard-hit Delran, in Burlington County, where the Rancocas Creek swelled, spilling into homes and covering roadways.
In advance of another rainmaker moving into the region, officials in Burlington County have issued a countywide emergency declaration. Further, county officials are urging residents who could possibly be affected by additional flooding Friday night, to evacuate the area voluntarily.
As Saturday dawned, over an inch of additional rain had fallen in portions of the county, leading to the Delaware River rising to moderate flood stage.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the Delran Firehouse for residents and say they will open a second, if the need arises. The firehouse is located at 9 South Bridgeboro Street. The shelter was to remain open through Saturday.
The ground, already so saturated from heavy rain in December, coupled with Tuesday night’s storm and rivers not able to drain excess water, leave flood-prone areas vulnerable to the least amount of rainfall.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in place for portions of Bucks, Delaware and Philadelphia counties, as well as Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties until 7 p.m. Saturday.
Delran flood damage.
In addition, winds are, again, expected to gust up to tropical storm force, all of which will easily lead to flooding, power outages and closed roads, due to downed trees, in the wake of highly saturated grounds or the force of wind, or both.
"We’re bracing for more rain, strong winds and potential for more severe flooding," said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell. "Our emergency management teams and first responders are making preparations, but in the interest of everyone’s safety, we’re asking residents in our previous flood zones to voluntarily evacuate in order to avoid putting lives at risk."
NJ flooding: Basements, yards overcome with floodwater in 'hardest hit town' of Delran
One South Jersey town appeared to take the brunt of Tuesday's storm as floodwaters covered neighborhoods, eventually surging into several homes.
Burlington County officials anticipate moderate to severe flooding along the Delaware River and its tributaries during Saturday’s high tides, which occur at 3:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. They also expect minor flooding along the Rancocas Creek.
Storm unleashed torrential rain, wind across South Jersey leading to waterlogged roadways
South Jersey is feeling the effects of a storm system as rain pushes into shore communities and across the state, closing numerous roadways, and causing power outages.
All Burlington County residents are urged to create disaster kits that should include essential items such as medication, clothing and necessary, important documents.
Residents should be aware of weather forecasts and emergency alerts. Residents can sign up for real-time alerts at the Burlington County Department of Public Safety’s CivicReady Emergency Alert System, here.