Flooding Washes Out Roads, Spurs Emergency Calls

Severe flooding that had stranded some motorists on a number of suburban New York roadways overnight Sunday began to recede, but more rain, which continued to fall through this morning, could complicate commutes and cleanup.

Nassau County police say that as of 4 a.m. Monday, no motorists were stuck in their vehicles. Police had received at least a dozen emergency calls involving cars stuck on inundated roads Sunday night.

A section of the Long Island Expressway was closed due to flooding but was reopened at around 12:30 a.m. Monday. Nassau County police responded to heavy flooding in seven areas.

At least 100 people were evacuated in Herricks after flooding caused part of a basement wall of one house to collapse, rupturing a gas main.   By around 11 a.m., most residents were allowed to return home. 

There also were scattered power outages across Long Island. Flooding also was reported in parts of Rockland County. In Nyack, flooding clogged storm drains with debris and dumped muddy water into building basements along a three block-stretch.

Meantime, rain-swollen brooks and streams in Bergen County, New Jersey are beginning to recede.

Hillsdale police encouraged residents to evacuate because the Pascack Brook reached flood stage late Sunday and early Monday. Some residents did leave and others moved their vehicles to higher ground.

Police closed Washington Avenue after it became submerged and several side streets were closed as a precaution.

Hillsdale police say the situation has stabilized and there's been no serious flood damage. No one was injured.

The National Weather Service says the Saddle River at Lodi crested at 6.2 feet and is expected to fall below flood stage throughout the day.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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