Live updates: Rain arrives in North Jersey as region prepares for flooding

Amanda Wallace , NorthJersey.com

New Jersey residents are preparing for yet another storm to roll in, a quick follow-up to the past weekend's winter storm that dropped between 1 and 13 inches of snow depending on your location.

For this rainstorm however, meteorologists are calling for heavy rain, gusty winds, and a high probability of flooding around the state.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and keep an eye on the forecast and messages from your local officials as the storm starts to roll in

Check back here for live updates throughout the storm.

Here is what we know right now, per the National Weather Service:

What time is it going to rain in NJ?

Rain started in some areas at about 11 a.m. It's then in the forecast for most of the night until it stops overnight.

How many inches of rain?

Depending on your location, you could be expecting anywhere from 2 to 3 inches of rain. However, there is a potential for 4 inches in some areas of North Jersey.

Lodi advises some people to evacuate

The Borough of Lodi is expecting moderate to major flooding as a result of the incoming storm, according to a Facebook post from the Lodi Fire Department.

The Lodi Fire Department is suggesting that residents in known flood areas temporarily evacuate until flood waters recede.

They are also warning residents of high winds and potential power outages.

Please remember to charge your phones, lights, and other battery powered items. If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled up but keep it away from the house to prevent exhaust fumes from entering.

Schools cancel after-school activities and adjust schedule

Little Ferry has already called a delayed opening for Wednesday. Many other districts, including Jersey City, Teaneck, Hackensack, Morris Hills and more canceled afterschool activities for Tuesday.

Morris County flood prep

Dover Mayor James Dodd said local officials joined Gov. Phil Murphy and the Office of Emergency Management for a conference-call meeting on Monday in preparation for the storm in his flood-prone town, where the Rockaway River flows through the middle of the downtown area.

Tuesday morning, Dodd said he had reached out to Picatinny Arsenal to ask if they planned to open base floodgates on streams feeding the Rockaway River.

“My biggest concern is there have been times when they have been forced to open the floodgates, and when they do, within two hours, the entire town of Dover is under water," he said.

In Montville, police have taken to social media to warn and update residents about what they expect to be a “significant flooding event” along Passaic River and Rockaway rivers, with the rivers “expected to crest at levels not seen in 10 years.”

To that end, sand and sandbags are being distributed at the Montville Dog Park. “Use these to deflect water away from your house and areas prone to flooding,” police posted.

Lincoln Park Mayor Donald Runfedlt posted a critical note on social media that Murphy “will not be having the Pompton Dam release water prior to Tuesday's anticipated storm.

Lincoln Park is a common flood area along with other towns on the Pompton River corridor.

“I had requested this action on Tuesday last week and the mayors of Pompton Lakes, Wayne, Pequannock, Little Falls and others made the same request,” he wrote.

− William Westhoven

Wind advisory in North Jersey

North Jersey is currently under a wind advisory with anywhere between 45 and 55 mph gusts expected to blow across the area.

The coastal areas of New Jersey are under a high wind warning with gusts up to 65 mph expected.

The highest wind will occur overnight, and the National Weather Service is warning that downed trees and power outages are possible.

Expected flooding in NJ

With this storm comes a high possibility of flooding. This includes moderate to major river flooding as well as flooding of smaller creeks and streams. Snowmelt could increase runoff and flood potential. North Jersey residents should also be aware of the potential for urban flooding and flash floods.

As of Tuesday morning, Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren counties are all under flood watch along with some areas of eastern Pennsylvania. The flood watch is set to last until Wednesday afternoon.

The coastal areas of North Jersey, as well as much of the Jersey Shore, are also under a coastal flood advisory.

Bergen County flood update

The Bergen County Office of Emergency Management is actively monitoring the coming storm system, with an expected rain total of 2 to 3 inches between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning. The Meadowlands area is a particular concern.

"Excessive runoff, combined with snow melt, will result in moderate to major flash flooding of rivers, small creeks, streams, and other low lying and flood prone locations," said Capt. Matthew J. Tiedemann in a bulletin from the county. "This will be quicker than usual because the ground is already saturated and there will be significant snow melt with rising temperatures."

The county is in communication with Veolia Water company representatives who say that all three dams are currently spilling. This should allow rain and melted snow to flow downstream.

−Kristie Cattafi

When is high tide?

Hackensack River high tide at Hackensack:

  • Tuesday 7:39 p.m.

  • Wednesday 7:56 p.m.

  • Wednesday 8:26 p.m.

Passaic River high tide at East Rutherford:

  • Tuesday 6:42 p.m.

  • Wednesday 6:59 a.m.

  • Wednesday 7:19 p.m.

Saddle River at Lodi is expected to crest Wednesday, at 12 p.m., at 8.1 ft.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ rain storm arriving soon, live updates and timing

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