A large coastal storm that dropped up to nine inches of rain on South Carolina barrelled up the east coast Sunday afternoon, December 17, into Monday, December 18, leaving significant flooding, damage and power outages in its wake. In Livingston, the storm dropped a total of 4.26 inches, according to reports.
Western Essex County was among the harder-hit areas. A total of 4.85 was recorded at Caldwell Airport, while Verona got 4.83 inches, Cedar Grove, 4.8 inches, and West Caldwell, 4.51 inches.
Most of Morris County received over four inches of rain, with Long Valley recording 5.88 inches, and Butler, five inches.
In contrast, much of Bergen, Camden, Cape May, and Ocean Counties recorded “only” two to three inches of rain, although Estell Manor in Atlantic County got 5.05 inches.
40 Incidents in Town
Livingston police and emergency personnel responded to over 40 storm-related incidents in town, ranging from downed wires, downed trees, trees falling into houses, and water rescues.
The Livingston Swift Water Rescue Unit responded to several emergencies late Sunday night into the early morning hours on Monday, rescuing motorists stranded in their vehicles by the flooding.
Police Chief Gary Marshuetz praised his officers on regular duty as well as the Swift Water Rescue team members who assisted the stranded motorists. “I would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists that they should not attempt to pass through any standing water in roadways, especially when you cannot see its depth. If you cannot discern the condition of a road, do not attempt to drive on it.”
Fire Department Calls
The Fire Department responded to a tree that came down in saturated ground at 14 and 16 Sycamore Avenue. The tree ripped down house service wires, and Public Service Electric and Gas personnel responded.
Wires also came down in the storm at the intersection of North Rockledge Drive and Drummond Terrace. Jersey Central Power and Light personnel responded to make repairs.
Fire officials also pumped water from a flooded basement at 23 Evergreen Avenue.
The Force Home has been a community historical center and museum since 1962, and is operated by the Livingston Historical Society.
