Weather

Hopatcong, Sparta Could See 4 Inches Of Rain From Ida’s Effects

On Wednesday night, each town had a simultaneous Flash Flood Watch and Warning, one to end after midnight, the other Thursday morning.

On Wednesday night, each town had a simultaneous Flash Flood Watch and Warning, one to end after midnight, the other Thursday morning.
On Wednesday night, each town had a simultaneous Flash Flood Watch and Warning, one to end after midnight, the other Thursday morning. (Shutterstock)

HOPATCONG, NJ — Hopatcong and Sparta are under a Flash Flood Watch through Thursday, with Ida's remnants moving through the area.

As Ida churns through Hopatcong and Sparta, there could be heavy rains, thunderstorms and rainfall of four inches or more as potential impacts from the storm, before sunny skies are predicted to return on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Streams, creeks and poor drainage areas as well as "moderate to major flooding is possible along some main stem rivers and roads," the National Weather Service forecasts.

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As of early Wednesday night, the area simultaneously remained under a Flash Flood Warning, expected to last until just past midnight, because of the heavy rain that had started falling in both towns.

Additionally on Wednesday evening, the US Geological Survey was reporting that Lake Hopatcong's gage height by Landing was at 9.29 feet, with the crest of the dam at 9 feet. New Jersey State Police can restrict boat speeds when it reaches 9.5 feet. Click here for full data by Landing.

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The gage height, however, by the Musconetcong River outlet was below flood levels, at only 2.15 feet as of 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The flood stage for that gage is 4 feet. Click here for full data.

Sparta Police posted an update about the storm on its social media, focusing on the flooding impact that was possible.

If not using the 911 system to report storm-related emergencies, residents can contact both Hopatcong and Sparta Police Departments directly and stay tuned on their social media accounts for any messaging at:
Sparta Police - 973-729-6121
Hopatcong Police - 973-398-5000

For residents or businesses who experience a power outage or hazardous situations because of this storm, they can contact JCP&L at 1-888-544-4877 (1-888-LIGHTSS) or click here.
For JCP&L's current outage details, click here.

For the National Weather Service forecasts and update for Hopatcong, click here and for Sparta, click here.


Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: [email protected].


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