MOUNT HOLLY – Burlington County Commissioners released the following statement regarding last night’s severe storms and flash flooding:
“Burlington County has a well-trained team of first responders and public safety personnel, and they proved their value again last night. During last night’s storm and flooding, nearly 600 emergency calls and 1,800 non-emergency calls were received by Burlington County Central Communications and dispatch center telecommunicators. More than 1,500 police, fire and emergency dispatch calls were dispatched through Central Communications,” said Felicia Hopson, Burlington County District Administration Director. “We are extremely grateful to all first responders and public safety personnel for their service. While we are relieved that no injuries were reported, our emergency management team is concerned about the potential for additional severe storms and flooding this week. Residents are urged to be alert to the weather and use extreme caution when driving during storms. We also recommend taking steps now to prepare for the possibility of additional flooding. Put together an emergency supply and a disaster plan for your family.”
Burlington County was flooded by torrential rains on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, over 7 inches of rain fell in Delran and 6 inches in the New Albany section of Cinnaminson. Additional rainfall totals included 4.1 inches in Willingboro, 3.8 inches in Burlington, 3 inches in Mount Laurel and 2 inches in Moorestown.
The greatest impacts were in cities along the Delaware River and Route 130 corridor, but flooding was also reported in several cities, including Burlington City, Burlington Township, Delanco, Delran, Edgewater Park, Mount Laurel, Palmyra, Riverside, Riverton and Willingboro.
The torrential rains caused severe flooding on several roads and highways, including Route 130, and small streams and retention basins were overwhelmed.
No injuries were reported, but numerous vehicles became stuck on the roads in the floodwaters.
Last night, first responders conducted a total of 77 rescues involving vehicles stuck in flooded streets: 60 in Cinnaminson, 16 in Delran and one in Willingboro.
Due to the flooding, 15 residents of the Silver Park West housing complex in Edgewater Park were also evacuated. They were taken to the community center. Most were picked up by family members and three residents said they planned to stay in a hotel. No injuries were reported among the evacuees.
Residents are urged to prepare emergency kits containing essential items such as medicines, important documents, clothing and necessary supplies, and to be prepared to evacuate at short notice should conditions worsen or a mandatory evacuation order be issued.
It is also important for residents to closely monitor weather forecasts and any emergency alerts from New Jersey, Burlington County or their municipality.
Residents can sign up online for real-time alerts and notifications from the Burlington County Department of Public Safety’s CivicReady Emergency Alert system at http://co.burlington.nj.us/210/Emergency-Notification-Systems.
— Courtesy of Burlington County
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