Flash flooding from intense afternoon thunderstorms on July 18 caused immediate disruptions for Newark residents and travelers. Streets and major roadways in North Jersey flooded quickly, utility outages left tens of thousands without power, and the Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop affecting Newark Liberty International Airport, compounding travel delays.
What changed for residents and travelers
The storms produced heavy, concentrated downpours across multiple counties. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings that covered parts of North Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties, and additional warnings for nearby counties.
- Air travel: The FAA put Newark under a ground stop from 12:34 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Newark also operated under a ground delay program with average delays exceeding three-and-a-half hours.
- Road closures: Rapid flooding forced the closure of sections of several major routes, including Interstate 287 (Somerset County), Route 440 (Jersey City) and Route 9 (Middlesex County).
- Power outages: Downed trees and lines left tens of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.
- Public safety: Emergency responders conducted water rescues and motorists were stranded in high water.
"The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport due to thunderstorms, in effect from 12:34 p.m. to 5 p.m.,"
Local impacts and agency actions
The New Jersey Department of Transportation reported that flooding forced the closure of both sides of Route 440 in Jersey City around 1 p.m. The National Weather Service placed parts of North Jersey under urgent flash flood warnings; counties mentioned in the warnings included Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and the eastern portion of Passaic County. Additional warnings extended into Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris and Somerset counties.
Airports across the region were also affected. In addition to Newark, LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports were operating under ground stops and experiencing delays as thunderstorms moved through the area.
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA ground stop | Newark Liberty: 12:34 p.m.–5 p.m.; ground delay program with avg. delays > 3.5 hours |
| Major road closures | I-287 (Somerset); Route 440 (Hudson/Jersey City); Route 9 (Middlesex) |
| Warnings issued | Flash flood warnings for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, parts of Passaic; additional warnings in several central and northern counties |
What residents should know now
Officials warn that conditions can change rapidly during and after heavy thunderstorms. Residents should avoid driving through flooded roadways, follow guidance from local emergency management and monitor updates from the National Weather Service and the Port Authority for airport status. Utilities and transportation agencies typically work to clear downed trees and reopen roads as soon as conditions are safe.
As crews respond to localized damage and outages, Newark residents should expect ongoing travel delays and intermittent service interruptions. Authorities encourage anyone facing an emergency to call local emergency numbers rather than attempting to travel through flooded areas.
