Community Corner

Irene Slams Region, Flash Flood Warning Issued

Storm expected to produce drenching rains and high winds throughout the day.

Somersey County residents are waking up Sunday morning to torrential rains and a flash flood warning as Hurricane Irene blasts through the region.

A tornado watch had been issued for Morris and Somerset counties overnight as hurricane-spawned tornadoes were possible until 5 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Somersey County with heavy rain expected to continue throughout the day. According to the NWS, the storm could produce 6 to 10 inches of rain in most areas, with isolated amounts of up to 14 inches possible.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

High winds are also expected, with gusts up to 30 miles per hour, according to the NWS.

The storm, which began to , has already caused some power outages, downed limbs and wires along with causing widespread flooding. A flash flood warning was issued late Saturday night for the entire county.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The NWS warned of these rivers, in particular:

  • The Passaic River could flood at Millington, Chatham, Pine Brook and Little Falls, affecting Morris and Somerset counties.
  • The Pequannock River could flood below Macopin Dam, also affecting Morris County, as well as Passaic County.
  • The Pompton River could flood at Pompton Plains, affecting Morris and Passaic.
  • The Ramapo River could flood at Pompton Lakes, affecting Morris, Bergen and Passaic counties.
  • The Raritan River could flood at Manville and Bound Brook, affecting Somerset and Middlesex counties
  • The Rockaway River could flood at Boonton, affecting Morris County.

What does it look like in your neighborhood? Let us know in our live blog and receive up-to-the-minute updates on the storm.


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