NJ Transit Disrupted as Flash Floods Paralyze New Jersey
Monday, July 15, 2025 – A surge of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding battered New Jersey on Monday, triggering widespread travel chaos and a state of emergency declared by Governor Phil Murphy.
Rail & Bus Services Hit Hard
NJ Transit warned the public: “bus service is accepting rail tickets and passes system‑wide” to help commuters cope with disruptions.
The River Line was completely shut between Walter Rand Transportation Center and Waterfront Entertainment Center in Camden, with bus shuttles deployed to bridge the gap.
On the North Jersey Coast Line, a fallen tree near Hazlet halted all train traffic.
Services between New York Penn Station and Trenton faced delays of up to 40 minutes due to Amtrak signal issues.
Flash Flooding Across Communities
Rainfall at rates of more than 2 inches per hour caused life‑threatening flooding in urban zones, roadways, and residential neighborhoods across Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and other parts of Union
Social media videos showed submerged vehicles and streets turned into waterways—including Route 22 and I‑78 near Plainfield.
Statewide Emergency Declared
Gov. Murphy issued a state of emergency, urging residents to remain off roads unless evacuating
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Flash flood warnings spanned multiple counties—including Union, Somerset, Essex, Morris, and Cumberland—as 2–6 inches of rain soaked the state.
Wider Regional Impact
Neighboring New York City and Pennsylvania were also hit hard: NYC’s subways flooded, highways closed, and thousands of flights were grounded at Newark and nearby airports .
By late Monday night, torrential rainfall began to subside, though flooding remained in low‑lying areas across the tri‑state region.
Climate Concerns Grow
Experts warn that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. New York City recorded its second-highest hourly rainfall since 1943—2 inches in just half an hour—as similar intensity unfolded across New Jersey; northern parts saw over 6 inches in mere hours.
What Commuters Should Know:
NJ Transit Riders: Expect serious delays—check online for updates, bus substitutions, and ticket validity.
Drivers & Pedestrians: Avoid flooded streets and heed road shutdowns on major routes like Route 22, I‑78, and the NJ Turnpike.
General Public: State of emergency means stay home unless travel is essential; monitor local alerts for further weather changes.