Passaic River flood levels could exceed height from December storm

NEW JERSEY (WABC) — Just weeks after a powerful coastal storm flooded the Passaic River for days, a major winter storm dumped a heavy dose of rain on the Tri-State, which is expected to lead to even higher crest levels.

The Fairfield Police Department says they project the Passaic River to rise to 21.9 feet by Thursday at 1 a.m.

If those levels come to fruition, it would exceed the final crest height of 21.52 feet from the storm in December.

That storm last month flooded communities situated along the river, leading rescue crews to come to the aid of people trapped in their homes.

Sonia Rincon has the latest on flooding conditions in New Jersey.

While the bulk of the rain finished by the morning, it was a lot of rain in a short period priming the area for a repeat of flooding from the cresting river.

As of 5 a.m. Wednesday, it was at 18.6′ near the flooding stage, and it crests at 21.8′.

By 8 a.m. the Paterson mayor’s office said that they had no flooding Wednesday morning and a significant amount of flash flooding has receded. “But we are still monitoring the Passaic River,” they commented.

Passaic River at Little Falls, New Jersey

Officials are urging residents and business owners to avoid non-essential travel as some roadways were impassable Wednesday.

Towns like Wayne, New Jersey, are now preparing for more flooding on Thursday, when the Passaic River is expected to crest.

A mobile Command center has been set up in preparation of people needing to be evacuated.

Mayor Christopher Vergano is urging people to leave now if they can.

“The water is coming up and those that were inundated three weeks ago, I would tell them to leave their houses now, all they have to do is look out their window the water is rising,” he said.

Even worse, more rain is expected Friday night into Saturday, which could lead to more headaches for residents in the area.

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