New Jersey's flood-prone rivers continue to rise after soaking rain
HOBOKEN, N.J. -- The relentless rain on Wednesday increased worries about flooding in New Jersey.
Flooding earlier this year forced many residents from their homes. Water levels in rivers are expected to swell Thursday and could trigger flooding when they crest Friday.
Overnight in Englewood, a large tree fell onto Route 4, blocking the westbound lanes. Crews worked to chop it up and haul it off before the morning rush.
Widespread damage was reported in Leonia, where the middle school will be closed Thursday.
Wednesday in Hoboken, which is known to flood, some streets were covered and so were the tracks in Hoboken Terminal. The NJ Transit tracks were submerged in water after a day of steady rain.
In Jersey City, one of three cars was towed out of floodwaters on 18th Street as water collected below an underpass.
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For many in New Jersey, it wasn't only about what happened Wednesday, but what's likely ahead.
In Little Falls, Sue Scardilli's home is against the Passaic River and since December she has had six flooding situations.
"I never undid the prep work from the last time," Scardilli said.
Living 56 years in the home, Scardilli said she knows a thing or two about being prepared.
"We had to replace the hot water heater, which we know have up two feet. We saved the boiler. We had to repair that. That is going up two feet," Scardilli said.
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Just down the street, Norman Valdez's basement was already flooding and back in January the Passaic River made its way up to the back door.
"Now if we have the water at this level, nothing is going to happen because everything was sealed," Valdez said.
Sandbags were placed up against doorways and sump pumps ready to go in response to rain that was heavy at times and strong bouts of wind.
In Paterson, a woman named Danaysha and her two sons wre ready for the floodwaters.
"I go get stuff I need like water, food," she said, as a pump worked on getting the water out of her basement. "If they keep the pump, it should be good."
That's the hope Scardilli had as well, as she prepared for another night of rain.
"I think it will be minor. It's the best I can tell you," she said.
That's truly the hope. The Passaic River is expected to crest on Friday. Until then, most are watching the rainfalls and keeping a close eye on those basements.
Stick with our First Alert Weather team for the latest forecast and weather alerts.