Paterson Issues Tropical Depression Alert Amid Flash Flood Threat

The City of Paterson, Office of Emergency Management, would like to inform residents that showers for the rest of Thursday will remain mundane, as any embedded downpours/storms stay isolated and confined closer to evening. Attention turns to the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby for tomorrow.

The first noticeable effect will be winds that turn gusty late morning into midday. These area-wide winds peak afternoon into evening, and given such a wet pattern leading into this, some scattered tree and power-line issues can be anticipated. This begins well before the main round of tropical moisture arrives late afternoon into sunset when torrential downpours and an isolated tornado risk develop.

High rainfall rates that temporarily overwhelm drains and flooding along typically prone streams/creeks would be the primary impact, as larger rivers likely can handle this amount. What’s left over of Debby exits Friday night with a pleasant weekend to follow.

Hazards: Rainfall Rates:  As high as .25 to .50 inches per hour. Storm Total Rainfall: 1.00 to 2.00 inches, locally 1. Debby’s remnants brought flooding and gusty winds late Friday afternoon into Friday night.

 Flash Flood Impacts:

• Poor drainage areas along the Passaic River
• Causing major disruption to transportation
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Flooding basements
• Do not drive around barricades or closed-off streets.
• In case of an emergency, please call 911 as soon as possible.

Listed below are areas of possible flash flooding:

• River Street
• 5th Ave between Waite and 6thAve
• Getty Ave
• Beckwith Ave
• Bridge Street
• Main Street & Levine Street

The City of Paterson Office of Emergency Management will continue monitoring the storm and updating as needed.