Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the Office of Emergency Management encourage residents to take precautions due to predicted heavy rainfall of 5 to 7 inches and likely flooding on Friday, Sept. 29. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and forecasts indicate rainfall of up to 14 inches is possible in other parts of the tri-state region.
“The City of Hoboken is preparing for what is expected to be a substantial storm with prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, which will likely cause flooding in low-lying areas of Hoboken,” said Mayor Bhalla. “I encourage residents, especially those in garden level apartments, to take precautions ahead of the storm. I also encourage residents and visitors to avoid driving during periods of peak rainfall when possible. While our flood pumping stations are in operation and our resiliency parks are positioned to store water to the greatest extent possible, the prolonged severity of the weather could outpace the capacity of our infrastructure to keep rainwater off streets. I ask residents to please stay safe, check in on their neighbors, and exercise caution.”
The Office of Emergency Management reminds residents to avoid flood-prone areas. Intense rainfall of greater than 0.8 inch per hour could result in flooding in low-lying areas. Barricades have been deployed near flood-prone intersections. OEM reminds residents not to walk or drive around barricades or through flooded areas.
Residents should report flooded intersections and clogged drain inlets by calling the NHSA Hotline at (866) 689-3970.
Discounted parking
Due to the predicted flooding, the City is offering a special rate of $5 per 24-hour period in Garages B (28 Second St.) and D (215 Hudson St.) to residents with a valid Resident On-Street Parking Permit or Temporary Parking Permit. This rate will be offered through 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30., while space is available.
Hoboken residents with disabilities who possess either a handicapped license plate or hang tag for their permitted vehicle may also park in the Midtown Garage (371 Fourth St.) for the same reduced rate.
Discounted garage space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and garages often reach full capacity during significant weather events. Residents are encouraged to follow City social media accounts for updates on availability, including the Hoboken OEM Twitter page at @HobokenOEM and the City’s Twitter page at @CityofHoboken.
Recreation Programs Cancelled
All outdoor City recreation programs have been cancelled for tomorrow, Sept. 29. At this time, indoor and weekend recreation programs will continue as scheduled.
Remain alert, stay informed, and exercise caution
Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts regularly and are encouraged to follow the City’s social media accounts for storm updates including the Hoboken OEM Twitter page at @HobokenOEM, the City’s Twitter page at @CityofHoboken, and the Hoboken Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/Hoboken. Residents, business owners, and other stakeholders are also encouraged to sign up to receive updates via the Nixle System by visiting: www.hobokennj.gov/alerts.
Residents are encouraged to review personal emergency plans, as the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season continues through November 30. Residents and property owners can access the City and OEM “Hoboken Ready” website for more information and resources to better prepare for emergency situations at: https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/hoboken-ready.
Click here to learn more about Hoboken’s efforts to mitigate rainfall flooding.
