Heavy downpours and slow-moving thunderstorms triggered dangerous flash flooding across New Jersey’s Jersey Shore Monday, trapping dozens of drivers in their vehicles and prompting widespread emergency rescues throughout Monmouth County.
The National Weather Service confirmed multiple water rescues in coastal communities including Asbury Park, Deal, Long Branch, Monmouth Beach, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Wall Township, and West Long Branch.
Neptune City Hit Hardest
Neptune City bore the brunt of the storm, recording a staggering rainfall rate of nearly 5 inches per hour — a record for the borough. Twenty-five people were pulled from floodwaters as streets transformed into rivers within minutes.
“At the height of the storm, dozens of people were trapped in vehicles on flooded roadways and parking lots, and dozens of residences were impacted by flooding,” borough officials said. Emergency responders continued checking on residents in affected areas while the construction department assessed structural damage to determine when it would be safe for people to return home.
Structural Damage and Road Closures
A portion of the roof at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Ocean Township collapsed under the weight of the storm. The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to stay away from the area.
Route 35 in Belmar was shut down between 16th Avenue and Route 71. All lanes on Route 35 in Eatontown also closed due to flooding. Portions of Route 130 were shut in Pennsauken, Collingswood, and Gloucester City. Speed limits were reduced on the Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin, and Betsy Ross bridges connecting New Jersey to Philadelphia.
Regional Impact
Flash flood warnings were issued across 11 New Jersey counties, including Monmouth and Ocean. Floodwater was reported inside hallways at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. Heavy flooding with cars stuck in water also hit the city of Camden and other parts of South Jersey.
Wall police urged all residents to avoid unnecessary travel. With storm systems still moving slowly through the region, officials warned conditions could worsen before improving.
Residents are advised to avoid all flooded roads and follow local emergency directives.
