The intense storms Monday night overwhelmed roadways in several towns, trapping drivers in rapidly rising floodwaters.
In Hawthorne, flash flooding submerged portions of Route 208, where video showed multiple vehicles stranded in standing water, including one car that was nearly halfway submerged. The Hawthorne Fire Department said crews responded to more than 20 calls for service, including 17 water rescues.
Flooding in Hawthorne, NJ after Monday night storms
Elsewhere, floodwaters stranded drivers in several low-lying areas across Bergen County.
In River Edge, first responders rescued at least five people from vehicles caught in floodwaters.
"It's just getting worse and worse every year. You know, it's just the weather is crazy," one resident said.
In Ridgewood, officials said lightning struck a building, traveled through the structure into the basement and blew out the electric meter, sparking a two-alarm fire.
The storms also brought hail to parts of Franklin Lakes and Edison.
Monday night's severe weather also disrupted New Jersey Transit service. The Pascack Valley Line was temporarily suspended in both directions after a tree fell across the tracks near Westwood Station before service was later restored.
While the heaviest rain has moved out, forecasters say additional showers and thunderstorms remain possible Tuesday, meaning isolated flooding and scattered power outages could still develop in areas that receive heavy rainfall. Residents are urged to use caution and never drive through flooded roadways.
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