Cranford Police Issue Alert About Tropical Storm Isaias

CRANFORD, NJ — With Tropical Storm Isaias expected to drench New Jersey throughout Tuesday, Cranford's police issued an alert on Monday afternoon.

(Use this link to the National Hurricane Center to track the storm.)

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"Cranford OEM has been monitoring the tropical storm forecasts with our partners at the National Weather Service," said the alert. "There is a high degree of confidence that our area will be impacted by this tropical storm. The main threat as of now will be flash flooding in poor drainage areas throughout the Township as well as strong winds. Minor flooding along the river banks and branches is also likely. We will also experience a time of very gusty southeasterly winds."

Two weeks ago, several major roads were closed in Cranford due to flooding during an especially violent thunderstorm.

The police released these details, and gave places residents can park to avoid flooding:

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Impacts and Timing: Northeast New Jersey is expecting 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with locally 4 to 6 inches. Heavy is expected Tuesday afternoon into the evening and overnight hours. Gusty winds are expected Tuesday late afternoon into the evening. Overall, conditions are expected to improve after Midnight Tuesday into the predawn hours on Wednesday.

Preparedness: Cranford OEM is coordinating with the Police, Fire, and Public Works departments to ensure personnel and equipment are ready and staffing is appropriate for the storm response. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the storm by securing loose items, stocking up on food and needed supplies, and staying off the road during the storm period, particularly Tuesday evening. Our partners at PSEG are reporting that they have extra staff on hand to respond to power outages. Most importantly, flash flooding is very dangerous and at no time should you attempt to drive through a flooded roadway or intersection. Please avoid the flash flood prone areas. Do not park in flood prone areas. Also be mindful of the possibility of large tree limbs or trees falling due to wind gusts. There will likely be debris in roadways, use extra caution while driving after the storm subsides.

For residents in flash flood prone areas who don’t have a place to park, you may part in the Orange Avenue Pool lot or in Municipal Lot 7 (Off of Miln Street) Beginning Tuesday Morning at 10am. Cars must be removed by Wednesday morning at 8am.

Residents are urged to stay away from any downed wires, and treat wires as live even if power appears to be out in the area.

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