Severe Weather Causes Widespread Flooding, Road Closures, and Delays Across Northern New Jersey

Heavy rain and wind have disrupted traffic on major highways, with flooding, downed trees, and utility hazards reported in multiple counties, causing lane closures and travel delays.

MORRISTOWN, NJ — October 30, 2025 — Adverse weather conditions across northern New Jersey on Thursday have led to significant transportation disruptions, including flooding, crashes, downed trees, and utility pole damage affecting major roadways and commuter routes.

Flooding and Closures:

Multiple highways and local roads have reported partial or full closures due to flooding as of Thursday afternoon. Among the most critical incidents:

• NJ Route 3 (Clifton): All lanes closed in both directions at County Route 509/Broad Street due to severe flooding as of 2:48 p.m.

• McLester Street (Elizabeth): Two left southbound lanes blocked at Tripoli Street.

• US 1&9 Truck Route (Kearny): One right lane southbound closed at Hackensack Avenue.

• I-78 (Summit and Newark): Ramp lane and right shoulder closures eastbound at CR 527/Glenside Avenue (Exit 45) and a left lane closure near Elizabeth Avenue (Exit 56).

Crash and Disabled Vehicle Reports:

Several crashes and vehicle incidents were reported, compounding travel difficulties:

• New Jersey Turnpike (Newark and Elizabeth): Crashes and a disabled vehicle caused lane closures northbound near Interchanges 13A and 14.

• Garden State Parkway (Saddle Brook Twp and Cranford): Crashes were reported both northbound and southbound near Exits 159 and 136, respectively.

• Lincoln and Holland Tunnels: Ongoing eastbound delays reported, with travel times of 15 to 20 minutes from Turnpike access points.

Utility and Infrastructure Hazards:

Falling trees and damaged utility poles have led to road blockages:

• NJ 181 (Sparta Twp): All lanes closed due to both a downed utility pole and a separate downed pole incident north of Pine Cone Lane.

• US 46 (Liberty Twp): A downed tree closed one right eastbound lane west of CR 611/Hope Road.

• NJ 21 (Passaic): Ramp lane and right shoulder closed southbound at Exit 10 (Brook Avenue) due to a downed tree.

• Tonnelle Avenue (North Bergen Twp): A missing sewer grate closed one of four southbound lanes near 83rd Street.

Traffic Delays and Volume Backups:

Heavy volume and weather-related incidents contributed to long delays across key commuter routes:

• New Jersey Turnpike (Eastern and Western Spurs, Newark to Kearny): Multiple 1–2 mile delays reported in both directions.

• George Washington Bridge: Eastbound delays of 20–25 minutes on both upper and lower levels.

• Garden State Parkway (Clifton to Saddle Brook): A 2-mile northbound delay was reported as of 2:43 p.m.

Ongoing Construction Projects:

In addition to weather-related disruptions, long-standing construction projects continued as scheduled, affecting roadways in Morris County and beyond:

• I-287 (Harding Twp): Northbound right shoulder closed near Exit 33.

• US 46 (Parsippany-Troy Hills, Denville, and Rockaway Twps): Multiple lane and shoulder closures in both directions are in effect through 3:00 p.m. or later.

• NJ 23, NJ 181, and NJ 57: Construction zones remain active, contributing to reduced travel lanes and shoulder access.

Travel Advisory:

Commuters are advised to check current road conditions, seek alternate routes where possible, and allow extra travel time. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as weather patterns evolve through the evening.

Local officials urge drivers to use caution, avoid flooded roadways, and report hazards to emergency services or the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Note: This article reflects the latest available updates as of 3:00 p.m. on October 30, 2025. Conditions may change rapidly.