July 15, 2025: Powerful, slow-moving thunderstorms triggered dangerous flash floods across New Jersey on Monday night, forcing dozens of rescues, shutting down major roads, and prompting Governor Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency. North Plainfield NJ in Somerset County was among the hardest hit. Mayor Lawrence La Ronde confirmed crews had responded to over 30 homes for water rescues, and more were still in progress late into the night. The town’s recreation center opened as an emergency shelter for displaced residents.
“We’ve got about eight or nine streets that are completely impassable,” the mayor said. “We’re still rescuing people trapped in their flooded homes.” Nearby in the Netherwood section of Plainfield, drivers found themselves stranded for hours as traffic jams and road closures brought the area to a standstill.
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“The flood alerts came too late,” said Elias Konstantopoulos, who was stuck just a mile from his house for over three hours.
Liliana Marquez had to wade through waist-deep floodwater after leaving work. “Every road was closed. We just kept driving in circles,” she said.
The flooding came just a week after North Plainfield saw a fatal storm. In response to the latest emergency, all summer school classes and local offices in the area will remain closed Tuesday.
Scotch Plains in Union County also faced severe flooding. Emergency crews used boats to rescue trapped residents and remove abandoned vehicles from the roads.
Francis Englert was one of many rescued from rising waters. “I felt hopeless. The water started seeping into my van before I was pulled out,” he recalled.
Some residents sheltered in parking lots overnight, unable to get home. “This area floods, but not like this,” said Huui Chin, who was also rescued. “It’s getting worse, and we need to figure out why.”
Though the rain has stopped, major roads including Route 22 remain closed, and damage assessments are ongoing.
The Scotch Plains Public Library also announced it will remain closed Tuesday for safety reasons.
Governor Murphy urged New Jersey residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel, citing continued risks from floodwaters and road closures.