After a major storm moved through New Jersey on Tuesday and Wednesday, the waters are still rising on the Passaic River.
Gov. Phil Murphy and other elected officials visited Little Falls on Thursday morning, where the river is expected to crest in major flood stage overnight. “This part of town is a relentless flooder. It flooded three weeks ago. I’m standing in water as we speak. We’ve seen this movie too many times,” Murphy said.
This week’s storm was exacerbated by recent rain and snow in December and early January, and more rain is in the forecast for the weekend.
“This area could very well go be under 18 to 24 inches of water. This area where we’re standing was that much water three weeks ago,” Little Falls Mayor James Damiano said. “We are prepared for the worst but hoping for the best right now.”
Little Falls resident Bob Dombrowski said many residents can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars a year for flood insurance and thinks the state isn’t doing enough to support homeowners impacted by flooding. “There are leaders. We shouldn’t have to rely on our great mayor who is part-time to guide. We need leadership from the top,” he said.
