New Jersey weather triggers floods, rescues and ground stop
Severe thunderstorms and flash flooding slammed New Jersey on Saturday, July 18, 2026, prompting multiple water rescues, highway closures and a Federal Aviation Administration ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport as New Jersey weather turned rapidly dangerous for drivers and travelers. Officials urged motorists to turn around rather than drive through flooded roads.
Key Takeaways
- Flash flooding on July 18 led to water rescues in Bayonne, Elizabeth, Woodbridge and Newark, with no injuries reported in the named rescues.
- Major highways including parts of I-287, I-280, Route 440 and Route 9 closed as rain fell at rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour.
- The FAA issued a Newark Liberty International Airport ground stop from 12:34 p.m. to 5 p.m., with average ground delays exceeding three-and-a-half hours.
- A tornado watch covered much of New Jersey into Saturday evening; the National Weather Service later canceled it around 8:30 p.m., while flood threats lingered overnight.
- More than 5,000 homes and businesses lost power statewide during the storms.
What happened across New Jersey on Saturday?
Torrential downpours from strong thunderstorms triggered dangerous flash flooding across parts of the state, stranding vehicles, damaging property and disrupting travel, according to NJ.com and local reports.
First responders rescued people trapped by high water in Bayonne, Elizabeth and Woodbridge. In Newark, five vehicles became trapped near Frelinghuysen Avenue and McClellan Avenue shortly before noon; police and firefighters safely rescued all occupants, Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said, with no injuries reported.
In Bayonne, Squad 5 rescued a person trapped in floodwater at the New Jersey Turnpike roundabout. Acting Fire Chief Frank Pawlowski said there were no injuries and reminded drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown.”
Rain rates reached 1 to 3 inches per hour. Lightning caused at least one fire and knocked out the National Weather Service Mount Holly office’s KDIX radar until at least the next day. More than 5,000 homes and businesses lost power, including more than 4,800 JCP&L customers.
Why did highways and Newark Airport shut down?
Rapid flooding forced closures on sections of Interstate 287 in Somerset County, Interstate 280, Route 440 in Hudson and Middlesex counties, and Route 9 in Middlesex County. Portions of Routes 35, 36 and 71 closed in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Route 129 flooded in Mercer County, and streets in Trenton were inundated. Both sides of Route 440 in Jersey City closed around 1 p.m., the state transportation department said.
The FAA issued a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport from 12:34 p.m. to 5 p.m. because of thunderstorms. Newark was also under a ground delay program with average delays exceeding three-and-a-half hours. LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports were likewise under ground stops and delays, according to the FAA.
For authoritative forecasts and warnings as conditions change, check the National Weather Service. Staying indoors during severe storms can also support recovery routines covered in our Longevity & Biohacking coverage.
Is the flood and storm threat over?
The Storm Prediction Center issued a Tornado Watch at 1:55 p.m. EDT for Somerset County and much of New Jersey—including Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth and Warren—until 9 p.m. Saturday. A Flood Watch remained in effect for Somerset County through late Saturday night, with the NWS warning that multiple rounds of storms could drop 2 to 3 inches of rain in one to two hours.
Forecasters said another round of storms was expected Saturday night, with a continuing flood threat until 2 a.m. The weather service canceled the tornado watch around 8:30 p.m. A Tornado Watch means conditions favor tornadoes; it is not a Tornado Warning, which requires immediate protective action.
Officials continued to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, never drive through flooded roadways, and monitor warnings closely as New Jersey weather remained unsettled overnight.