The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Millburn, Short Hills, and Livingston effective 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, warning that 2 to 5 inches of rain could fall as a slow-moving low pressure system pushes through northeast New Jersey.

The heaviest downpours are expected Tuesday night, when the chance of rain hits 100% and 1 to 2 inches could fall in just a few hours. The NWS said there is a high likelihood of rainfall exceeding an inch per hour for several hours, raising the risk of flash flooding along rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas across Essex County.

Tuesday night is the peak threat.

This is the third flood watch to hit Millburn in July alone. During prior watches on Saturday, July 18, and Tuesday, July 21, the Millburn Office of Emergency Management drained Taylor Park Pond, cleaned catch basins and storm drains, and deployed its Emergency Management Trailer with standby generators for residents with disabilities. The township had not issued an OEM alert specific to the July 28 storm as of Monday afternoon, July 27.

The NWS bulletin, issued at 2:49 p.m. Monday, July 27, urged residents to monitor forecasts and be prepared to act if Flash Flood Warnings are issued, which would represent a step up in severity from the current watch.

What to expect

Tuesday daytime brings a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 79 degrees and south winds gusting up to 24 mph. Tuesday night carries a 100% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain and gusts up to 23 mph.

Wednesday brings an 80% chance of continued showers, adding another quarter to half inch. Rain chances persist through Thursday night before clearing Friday.

How to prepare

Residents whose driveways are prone to flooding can move vehicles to higher ground using the second level of the parking garage at Essex Street and Lackawanna Place in Millburn.

  • Sign up for Millburn Alert emergency notifications here.
  • The township's flooding information page can be found here.
  • The NWS flood safety page can be found here.

Emergency contacts

  • Millburn Police (non-emergency): 973-564-7001
  • Millburn Fire (non-emergency): 973-564-7035
  • Millburn Office of Emergency Management: 973-564-1970
  • Mountain Valley Emergency Communications Center: 908-263-7550
  • Power outages: Jersey Central Power & Light, 1-800-544-4877; PSE&G, 1-800-436-7734