Severe Flooding Leads To State Of Emergency In 3 South Jersey Counties, Forces Dozens From Their Homes
LUMBERTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Wednesday night's severe storms caused an absolute mess across the region and things could get worse as more rains fall. Severe flooding along the Rancocas Creek led to dozens of flooded roadways and an evacuation notice for nearby residents. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties due to the severe flooding.
LIVE: Gov. Phil Murphy is holding a press conference on the severe flooding that has devastated parts of South Jersey. A state of emergency has been issued for Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties. https://cbsloc.al/2Y0XfBt
Posted by CBS Philly on Thursday, June 20, 2019
The governor toured flood damage in Southampton on Thursday.
Governor Phil Murphy getting ready to tour flood damage and do a short press conference. More to come @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/cfQRhFHXFL
— Crystal Cranmore (@CrystalCranmore) June 20, 2019
"Our top priority is the safety [of] our residents," said Murphy. "We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center as of 6:00 a.m. this morning and are deploying resources and personnel to help with recovery efforts."
Dozens of people across the South Jersey region were evacuated from their homes due to the devastating flooding, including in Westville, Gloucester County, where rescue crews had to rescue dozens of people trapped in the high waters.
"This is really devastating for the families that are impacted," Murphy said.
LIVE: Officials in Lumberton Township, New Jersey hold press conference on flooding in the town. https://cbsloc.al/2Y0XfBt
Posted by CBS Philly on Thursday, June 20, 2019
In Lumberton, all residents along the Rancocas Creek have been urged to evacuate and a shelter is open at the municipal building.
New Jersey Weather: Dozens Of People Evacuated From Westville Homes Due To Flooding
Around 60 homes in Southampton Township have been evacuated and the township has opened a reception center for affected residents.
Governor Phil Murphy tours flood damage in Southampton Township, Burlington County pic.twitter.com/S3hdmDzakS
— Crystal Cranmore (@CrystalCranmore) June 20, 2019
"Our hearts go out to the families that have been displaced," Murphy said.
Residents in one trailer park community were forced out of their homes. Authorities say there were 28 evacuations in Burlington County and all of this is bringing back painful memories of 2004.
"It did get in the house and the whole house had to be redone," Donnelly said.
Donnelly lives right next to Rancocas Creek.
"The stone gave me a wall on the side of the property that keeps the creek in the spillway and it's very rare that it breaches that wall," he said.
Philadelphia Weather: Severe Storms, Potential For More Flooding On Thursday
More severe weather is expected this afternoon, so officials are advising residents to keep safety in mind while traveling.
The next high tide will be at 5:49 p.m. on the Delaware River and at 7:46 p.m. on the Rancocas Creek.