Severe thunderstorms hit Livingston on Sunday evening, August 18, causing flash flooding throughout town. The Livingston Fire Department (LFD) responded to numerous calls in relation to the storm, including flooded basements, vehicles stuck in water, and a resident trapped in an elevator.
Rescue Calls
Throughout the storm, the LFD received various calls from drivers who found themselves and their vehicles engulfed in water.
The LFD was called to 22 Wingate Drive to help remove a male driver from his stuck vehicle. The firefighters used the LFD boat to rescue the driver.
Three occupants were removed from three separate vehicles stuck on Hillside Terrace.
The LFD received a call reporting occupants trapped in their vehicle outside of 20 Stratford Drive. Upon arrival, no stranded motorists were found.
Firefighters were also called about occupants trapped in a vehicle at the intersection of Falcon Road and Arlington Road. By the time the LFD arrived at the scene, the occupants had already self-evacuated.
The LFD firefighters helped remove two occupants from their trapped vehicle on West Drive. They walked the occupants to safety.
A driver’s vehicle was stuck in flood water near the intersection of Eisenhower Parkway and Beaufort Avenue. Firefighters assisted the driver in pushing the vehicle out of the water and onto the side of the road.
A resident reported that a female driver was stuck in her vehicle at the Oval during Sunday’s storms. Upon arrival, the LFD found no vehicle.
Water in Basements
During Sunday night’s storms, the LFD received four calls of residents ’ basements becoming flooded. Of the four calls, the LFD placed the department’s water pumps in two of the homes to attempt to remove some of the water. For the other two homes, firefighters advised the residents of the proper actions to take in order to correct the issue.
Elevator Entrapment
The LFD recieved a call reporting a guest stuck in the elevator of the Westminster Hotel. However, the call was cancelled prior to the firefighters’ arrival.
Washed Away Asphalt
During the storm, portions of roadcontinued on Page A-6) way asphalt outside of the Crystal Plaza washed into the far right lane of West Northfield Road, causing a traffic hazard. Joe Giordano Landscaping assisted the township with the removal of the hazards from the roadway by using a skid-steer. The roadway was opened upon completion of the removal.
Fire Alarms
A fire alarm at 3 Dellmead Drive was activated due to a resident cooking during the storm.
The fire alarm at Litho’s Restaurant was also activated during the storm. However, the call was cancelled prior to the LFD’s arrival.
Livingston is named in honor of William Livingston, the first governor of New Jersey, who served from 1776 to 1790.
