Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has declared a state of emergency due to the flooding associated with today’s severe rain storms across the state, also noting that he has checked in with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla about flooding.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Throughout the state, especially in the north and central regions, we are experiencing heavy rainfalls resulting in hazardous conditions, and the rainfall is expected to accelerate in many parts of the state over the next several hours,” Murphy said in a statement.
“Flooding remains a significant concern due to the heavy rains much of the state already experienced this week. Residents should stay off the roads, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
As a result, state offices closes at 3 p.m., though that did not include essential employees and/or emergency personnel.
In a subsequent tweet, Murphy said he had personally reached out to a handful of mayors about the situation.
“I have reached out to the mayors of Hackensack, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, and Hoboken about the ongoing storms and flooding. We urge everyone to stay off the roads, stay safe and avoid flooded areas,” the governor added.
Hoboken declared a state of emergency just before noon, reminding residents and commuters not to drive unless absolutely necessary, as well as not to drive or walk in areas that have been barricaded.
“@CityofHoboken remains under a State of Emergency. While there is a lull in the rain now, & floodwater continues to recede, we are expecting more rain later today/tonight. Please follow posted signs & barricades. Do not move or drive around,” the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management tweeted.
“Climate change is nothing short of an emergency that needs to be priority #1. Our infrastructure at every level (city, state and country) can’t handle the increase stress on a regular basis as most of it was built never anticipating this. It will all eventually break in a catastrophic way,” Fulop wrote shortly before Murphy declared the state of emergency.
About five to seven inches of rain are expected in Hudson County today, with the National Weather Service issuing a flash flood warning in Hoboken this morning.
