A double punch of two large storm systems moved rapidly crossed the mid-Atlantic and dumped heavy rain and produced strong winds that caused massive flooding and some property damage in parts of North Jersey Thursday night.
AccuWeather forecasters also warned of the second round of heavy rain and dangerous wind that should arrive in the region around 5 a.m.
Forecasters said the system will press through the area and bring warmer air to North Jersey for Christmas Day, but then a cold front will drop temperatures to the low 20's for the weekend.
"The rapidly melting snow, which contains approximately 1-3 inches of water will combine with an anticipated 1-3 inches of rain and locally higher amounts from the storm from Christmas Eve to early Christmas Day," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson said
New Jersey’s largest city, Newark officials warned residents that rain was expected after 9 p.m. and may be heavy at times with accumulations of between 1 to 2 inches.
Newark officials said the following locations should be avoided due to flooding conditions or the potential for flooding:
- Clay Street and McCarter Highway
- South Street and Van Buren Street
- Jefferson and Chestnut Streets
- State Street near Broad Street
- Jabez and Backus Streets
- 357 Wilson Avenue
- Manufacturers Place and Hyatt Street
- Magazine Street and Avenue L
- Magazine Street and Amsterdam Street
- Raymond Boulevard and Blanchard Street
- Avenue L and Wilson Avenue
- Wilson Avenue and Avenue K
- Mary Street and Avenue L
- Ferry and Foundry Streets
- Hyatt Avenue and Wilson Avenue
- South Street and Adams Street
- South Street and Pulaski Street
- South Street and Pacific Street
- South Street and Dawson Street
- Pacific Street and Calumet Street
- Pulaski Street and Clifford Street
- Jefferson Street ad Clifford Street
- Van Buren Street and Clifford Street
- Foundry Street and Roanoke Avenue
- Foundry Street and Avenue P
- Norfolk Street
- Orange Street
- Nesbitt Street
- McClellan Street and Runiak Avenue
- McClellan Street and Frelinghuysen Avenue
- Frelinghuysen Avenue and Peddie Street
- Frelinghuysen Avenue and Noble Street
- Noble Street and Meeker Avenue
- Elizabeth Avenue and Meeker Avenue
- Martin Luther King Blvd. and State Street
- Martin Luther King Blvd. and Orange Street, and
- Frelinghuysen Avenue and the Route 22 underpass
Newark officials said the Department of Public Safety coordinated responses to burglar alarms, flooding conditions and other weather-related incidents through the combined use of Police, Fire and Office of Emergency Management Personnel.
Special attention should be given to unsecured outdoor furniture, awnings, refuse and building materials.
For fire safety, please utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to this weather event.
Meteorologist expects the system to move out of North Jersey around 11 a.m.