News

July 10, 2020

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: TROPICAL STORM FAY MAY PRODUCE FLASH FLOODING WITH HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS AND POTENTIAL THUNDERSTORMS TODAY & TOMORROW

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Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that the City of Newark’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to address any weather-related emergencies due to Tropical Storm Fay.

“The safety of the City of Newark’s residents and visitors is of paramount importance,” Mayor Baraka said. “We have activated our Emergency Operation Center, which gives us a broad view of downed wires, flooded streets, and other hazardous conditions this storm may produce. We implore everyone to abide by the Department of Public Safety’s advisory to not drive through streets that are flooded; to use flashlights, instead of candles in the event of a power outage; and to secure outdoor furniture, refuse containers or other materials that could become be carried away by high winds.”

“Activating the Emergency Operation Center means that all divisions of the Newark Department of Safety are on full alert to address any emergencies produced by this tropical storm,” Director Ambrose said. “While we hope for little to no damage from this storm, Police, firefighters and members of the city’s Office of Emergency Management are preparing for the worst. We caution drivers to avoid high water if they see that streets are flooded.”

Showers and thunderstorms are expected today. Some storms may produce gusty winds of 25 to 35 m.p.h. and heavy rain with rain accumulations of 1 to 2 inches. Tropical storm conditions are possible tonight with showers and a thunderstorm possible before 3 a.m. Saturday. Chance of showers and thunderstorms anticipated on Saturday after 10 a.m.

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

• Avenue L and Wilson Avenue

• Ferry and Foundry Streets

• Norfolk Street

• Orange Street

• Nesbitt Street

• McClellan and Frelinghuysen Avenue, and

• Frelinghuysen Avenue and the Route 22 underpass

The Department of Public Safety is coordinating 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.

Director Ambrose urges anyone with information about any criminal or suspicious activity to call the Department’s 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward. Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through our Smartphone App available at iTunes or on Google Play. Search Newark Police Division to download the App.

- NEWARK -