Gov. Murphy declares state of emergency in New Jersey after severe storms sweep through the region

UPDATE: The NJ Office of Emergency Management has launched a dedicated Warren County site to help gather storm data: DamageNJ – https://damagenj-njoem.hub.arcgis.com. This website should be used by homeowners to report any damage caused to their homes by last weekend’s storms.

NEW JERSEY – Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Sunday after severe storms swept through the region over the weekend.

“I have declared a State of Emergency due to severe storms throughout the state causing hazardous weather conditions, including: intense rainfall, flash flooding and dangerous winds,” Gov. Murphy tweeted on Sunday.

Severe storms have caused numerous Warren County and local roads to be washed out or flooded, according to Warren County officials.

“The past few days have brought unprecedented rain totals to Warren County. The Warren County staff has been working around the clock with our local and state partners to identify storm damage and provide life-saving assistance for those in need,” said Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III, liaison for Public Safety.

Due to recent rainfalls and the closing of numerous roads in Warren County, all transportation services for Monday, July 17 have been cancelled, including the Route 57 Shuttle service.

As of Monday morning, Route 46 is still closed and detoured in both directions east of Ramseyburg Road following landslide in Knowlton Township.

“We urge everyone to remain vigilant around flooded roadways and downed trees and power lines,” Murphy said.

#RNJNEWS: WHITE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – Drone video shows the damage on Lommason Glen Rd in White Township from the severe weather Friday night. (📹:Anthony Preziosi for WRNJ) pic.twitter.com/sCkb444Lfx

— Jay Edwards (@JayEdwardsWrnj) July 15, 2023

As Jersey Central Power & Light crews work to restore power following severe storms on July 14 and 15, areas of Warren County continue to experience unprecedented flooding, JCP&L said.

“This has prevented our crews from safely accessing some damage locations. To ensure the safety of our workers and customers, crews will be dispatched to these areas as the water recedes and conditions improve. Updated restoration times will be shared as they become available here on our map. You can also text STAT to 544487 for an update for your reported outage,” JCP&L said.

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) is offering free water and ice to customers in Warren County who remain without power following this weekend’s storms.

Below are the current water and ice locations:

“We appreciate your ongoing patience and understanding while our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power,” JCP&L said.

“Last night’s heavy rains brought more damage and devastation to our area and more opportunities to help our friends and neighbors. Again, my heartfelt thanks to our local, County and State leaders, administrators, DPW, OEM, NJDOT & NJSP as well as to the many volunteers out helping where and as they can. Please continue to heed all warnings and road closures. Critical infrastructure is undermined in many areas including some you may not see. To all those impacted or displaced, help is coming. Stay safe. Warren County will rebuild.” Senator Doug Steinhardt said in a Facebook on Sunday.

“I was on the ground with local officials and first responders in White Twp and Belvidere today to assess the damage caused by last night’s flash flood. The damage to personal property and infrastructure is significant. My team and I are going to stay in constant contact with federal, state, and local departments in the rebuilding process. Thank you to all of the first responders working around the clock to keep everyone safe, said Congressman Tom Kean in a Facebook post Saturday.  

Murphy is expected to tour the damage in Warren County on Monday.