Parts of central and southern New Jersey were hit for the second time this week by slow-crawling thunderstorms that unloaded torrential rain on Thursday afternoon, forcing emergency alerts, flash flood warnings, and the closure of dozens of roads as water rose within minutes.
The National Weather Service confirmed that several highways and local roads had to be shut down due to sudden flooding, with multiple vehicles reported stuck in high water across the region. As of Thursday evening, no water rescues or injuries had been confirmed, though officials cautioned that conditions remained hazardous as rain continued falling steadily, occasionally in intense bursts strong enough to overwhelm storm drains.
According to preliminary data from regional weather-monitoring stations, the Kendall Park area of South Brunswick received close to 5 inches of rainfall in only a few hours. Nearby areas in Middlesex and Somerset counties, including New Brunswick, saw over 3 inches of rain in a short window, with forecasters projecting another 1 to 2 inches before the storm system moves out. At the height of the storm, rainfall rates reached 2 to 3 inches per hour in some bands.
Emergency flash flood warnings — several of which triggered loud mobile alerts across the region — were issued in six counties spanning central and southern New Jersey. The National Weather Service described some of the flooding as “dangerous and life-threatening,” warning drivers and pedestrians against attempting to cross roads with fast-rising water.
This marks the second major flooding event of the week. Earlier on Monday, similarly slow-moving storms caused rapid flooding, several water rescues, and widespread road closures in Burlington, Camden, Monmouth, and Ocean counties.
Where Flooding Was Reported
Between 3 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Thursday, local police departments and the National Weather Service documented flooding and stranded vehicles at numerous locations, including:
- Route 130 in South Brunswick’s Dayton section (Middlesex County) — both directions shut down
- Route 1 South in Highland Park, near Edison — two lanes closed
- Route 35 in Keyport (Monmouth County), where 3 inches of rain fell within two hours, trapping cars
- Multiple stranded vehicles in Bound Brook (Somerset County) and New Brunswick (Middlesex County)
- The New Jersey Turnpike’s outer roadway near East Brunswick, both directions
- River Road in Highland Park, closed between two intersecting streets, per local police
- Several roads across Hazlet Township (Monmouth County), including sections of Route 35 and surrounding residential streets
- Route 35 near the Garden State Parkway overpass in Keyport, rendered impassable
- Route 35 between two intersections in Holmdel, where police urged drivers to avoid the area entirely and never enter floodwaters
- Route 27 in North Brunswick, both directions closed
- Route 38 eastbound in Maple Shade Township (Burlington County)
- Route 30 East near the Parkside section of Camden
- Route 130 in Pennsauken, all lanes shut in both directions
- Sections of Route 518 in Hopewell Township (Mercer County)
Rainfall Totals So Far
Preliminary readings gathered from government weather-monitoring networks show the following totals recorded within just a few hours Thursday:
- Kendall Park, Middlesex County — 4.91 inches
- Dayton, Middlesex County — 4.12 inches
- Middlebush, Somerset County — 3.71 inches
- Skillman, Somerset County — 3.43 inches
- Millstone, Somerset County — 3.36 inches
- Montgomery, Somerset County — 3.24 inches
- Sergeantsville, Hunterdon County — 2.61 inches
- Ringoes, Hunterdon County — 2.55 inches
- Spotswood, Middlesex County — 2.54 inches
Authorities continue to urge residents across the affected counties to avoid unnecessary travel and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as water depth can be deceptive and vehicles can be swept away in seconds.