Weather Clears After Henri Churns Through Hopatcong, Sparta

HOPATCONG, NJ — After Tropical Storm Henri was downgraded to a Tropical Depression, leaving behind some sogginess on Monday, the National Weather Service predicts skies to be sunny, with spots of clouds here and there, through Friday.

The National Weather Service reported on Monday that Henri had weakened in terms of its initial impact as a tropical storm - and in some places a hurricane - to a Tropical Depression.

Before departing Hopatcong and Sparta, Henri left some of its wrath behind.

According to the State of New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection Water Monitoring & Standards, which has been tabulating rainfall totals near the Musconetcong River - not far from Hopatcong or Sparta - from Saturday through early Monday evening, there was 5.29 inches of rain. From Sunday through Monday, 3.58 inches of rain accumulated. During the day on Monday, there was 0.04 inches.

In the Sparta area by the Wallkill River, Water Monitoring & Standards has found from Saturday into Monday evening, there had been 4.36 inches of rain at that location; and 2.72 inches from Sunday into Monday evening.

According to the National Weather Service, flooding may occur in Hopatcong and Sparta in areas with poor drainage and in small creeks and streams.

Hopatcong Police announced on Monday afternoon that the New Jersey State Troopers Marine Division has set a "no wake zone" throughout Lake Hopatcong until further notice, because of the potential of flooding.

In Lake Mohawk the Marine Patrol suggested members check their boats to make sure their bilge pumps were working.

The storm left close to 900 Hopatcong residents without power as of Monday morning, which dropped down to less than five by Monday evening. In Sparta during the day on Monday, there were a handful of residents without power. JCP&L estimated all restorations by 11:30 p.m. on Monday. Click here for more about outages and JCP&L’s restoration process.

As Henri fades away, it leaves behind the possibility that there could be up to a tenth of an inch of rain before Tuesday, perhaps higher if there are thunderstorms in Hopatcong and Sparta.

Sunny skies are predicted to return to Hopatcong and Sparta for Tuesday through Friday, which can help to dry up conditions slightly, with a high of 85 degrees on Tuesday, 86 on Wednesday, 86 on Thursday and 82 on Friday.

The National Weather Service forecasts that there could be a chance of rain showers again this coming Saturday.

Editor's Note: Article updated at 6:40 p.m. on Monday Aug. 23, from its original on Monday Aug. 23 at 11:47 a.m., to reflect changing weather conditions and power outages in Hopatcong and Sparta.

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