Flash Floods Soak Hoboken: See Photos

HOBOKEN, NJ — The latest in a series of torrential rainstorms brought flash flooding to Hoboken on Thursday night, impeding cars and commuters around the mile-square city.

Commuters returning home from work after 6 p.m., ShopRite shoppers, and people picking up children at daycare were seen trying to find a way through floods on the west side of town.

The National Weather Service said rain could fall at a rate of 2-4 inches per hour. In Hoboken, .8 inch or more per hour can overwhelm the sewer systems, officials have said, even with nearby resiliency parks and anti-flooding projects underway.

The flash flood warning was in effect until 7:45 p.m., and a flood watch remains in effect until 2 a.m.

The city warned in a message to residents, "Please do not drive around or move barricades. They are there for your safety, and in some cases, can prevent wake waters that cause even greater damage.

"Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear and cause vehicles to stall, which can impact emergency response times. Residents should not walk or drive through floodwaters."

Clogged catch basins can slow drainage. Residents are asked to report clogged catch basins to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority hotline at (866) 689-3970 for the quickest response.

Follow Patch weather reports and input your email address for free alerts to keep up with the latest forecast. READ MORE: Flash Flood Threat Increases For Hoboken Thursday

Around North Jersey

Flooding was reported around the Garden State, and portions of major highways were closed. The state Department of Transportation reported these closures around 7:30 p.m.:

• Flooding on Route 17 in both directions north of Route 46 in Hasbrouck Heights. All lanes open northbound; closed southbound.
• Flooding on I-80 local lanes eastbound Exit 65-Green St in South Hackensack. Ramp lane closed.

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