Ida In NJ: At Least 23 Deaths, 3 Tornadoes Confirmed

NEW JERSEY — Remnants of Tropical Storm Ida caused historic destruction throughout the Garden State Wednesday night as flash flooding devastated several towns and tornadoes leveled at least 20 homes.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday night, saying he would send a major disaster declaration request to FEMA later Thursday. At least 23 individuals were reported dead as of Thursday afternoon, according to the governor.

I am saddened to report that, as of right now, at least 23 New Jerseyans have lost their life to this storm.

The majority of these deaths were individuals who got caught in their vehicles by flooding and were overtaken by the water.

Our prayers are with their family members.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 2, 2021

One confirmed tornado was confirmed in Mullica Hill on Wednesday night, while two others - one in Princeton and another in Edgewater Park - were confirmed on Thursday.

During the height of Ida's wrath on Wednesday, vehicles were submerged in flooded streets and first responders made multiple water rescues across the state. As of Thursday afternoon, casualties confirmed by authorities included at least 13 people in New Jersey and at least 600 people in Elizabeth alone were left homeless due to the storm.

[12:00 PM] While we continue to survey the storm damage, we take a moment to show what was seen on radar regarding the Mullica Hill, NJ tornado. This was a very impressive tornado that lofted debris thousands of feet into the air. These three images step through the data. #njwx pic.twitter.com/0rnyChZXjA
— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) September 2, 2021

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"It's been a sadly tragic and historic 24 hours in New Jersey," Murphy said as he stood in front of one of at least nine homes that was destroyed Wednesday night in Mullica Hill. "This is going to take us some time to dig out of. We're going to stay here, and be by the side of the residents and the small businesses that have been impacted so severely."

Gloucester County remains under a State of Emergency through Friday due to the widespread destruction throughout the area. Mullica Hill, Harrison Township, Mantua, Woodbury Heights, Wenonah and Deptford were hit hardest in the county.

A Red Cross site has been set up for residents who were displaced by the storm at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology in Sewell. Read more: No Overnight Recovery After Ida's Wrath, Says Murphy

Storm Impacts

Casualties confirmed by authorities include a 31-year-old Edison man, a 70-year-old Passaic County man, an 83-year Union Township man, a Bloomfield resident and a truck driver found inside a pickup truck in Hunterdon County. At least two others have been reported missing after being swept into the Passaic River.

Four people were found dead in an Elizabeth apartment complex, according to nj.com. At least 600 residents in the Oakwood Plaza apartment complex were displaced because of flooding, Mayor Chris Bollwage said Thursday.

Another four people died in flooded waters while trapped in vehicles in Bridgewater and Hillsborough, said Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Spokesman Frank Roman. Officials continue to get reports of missing people, including one confirmed in Bridgewater, Roman said. Read more: 4 Killed In Hillsborough, Bridgewater During Ida Flooding

"Hurricane Ida has caused extensive flooding, which has resulted in the loss of life and property," Somerset County officials said.

The TD Bank Ballpark home to the Somerset Patriots in Bridgewater was underwater as of Thursday morning. The entire ball field, some of the bleachers and parking lot were flooded.

In Piscataway as the Raritan River overflowed Thursday morning, police and first responders helped seniors evacuate from apartment complexes.

Mayor Brian Wahler pleaded with residents who live near the river to not stay in their homes and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Read more: Raritan River Peaks: Rt. 18 Flooded, Piscataway Residents Rescued

Flooding canceled all classes at Kean University on Thursday.

At Rutgers University, all classes have been moved online due to the flooding. The first Rutgers University football game, the season opener scheduled for tonight, has been canceled.

In Princeton, several water rescues took place Wednesday night, as drivers were stranded in their vehicles with floodwaters rising. A 58-year-old Princeton resident was rescued from his car as waters around continued to rise rapidly.

Read more: Princeton Driver Evacuated After A 4-Hour Rescue Operation

Severe flooding throughout Edison closed public schools on Thursday and left many vehicles completely covered by floodwaters. Many motorists had to abandon their vehicles to get themselves to safety, officials said.

Several township roads are still covered in water and debris, as well as abandoned and disabled motor vehicles. Crews are working to clear the roads, but officials said it would take time.

Read more: Schools Closed, Emergency Rescues As Edison Gets 12 Inches Rain

In Hazlet, first responders were sent to two homes as floodwater began to breech the ground floor levels. Many township roads were impassible due to storm waters as parts of both State Highway 35 and State Highway 36 were severely flooded Wednesday night.

Police responded to over 50 calls for service overnight. Of those calls, 22 were to assist drivers and seven were for a water rescue.

Read more: Roads Flooded, Homes Evacuated, Cars Submerged In Hazlet

Three Hopewell Township police officers were also among the many people who were rescued Wednesday night, after they were swept away in floodwaters and clung to trees for hours.

Once rescue teams arrived, the officers fired their guns to mark their location. Read more: "Miracle In Mercer:" 3 Officers Rescued After Being Swept Away

NJ Transit service has been suspended on almost every line across the state as of Thursday morning. The Atlantic City Rail Line is the only one in the state running with full service — and on time to boot — but light rail services and buses have begun reinstituting limited transportation.

Read more: NJ Transit Rail Service Suspended Almost Everywhere After Ida

More than nine inches of rain fell in southern Hunterdon County and towns in Somerset County saw over eight inches, according to precipitation totals from the National Weather Service.

A flood warning remains in effect for Morris County in northern New Jersey until 3 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service said rivers in this area could crest and overflow through Thursday.

This article contains reporting by additional Patch staff.