This morning was crazy. Right smack in the middle of the swath of 7-8" of rain. Fortunately, family that was out and about all made it back after an extended stay at a local eatery that was the only accessible public building during the hours our home was not an option. We live on a high spot in the area which essentially makes all access roads lower, and of course today flooded. Also, from what I saw, the closed off areas were populated with drivers who either chose poorly or simply were stopped in traffic on a low spot that turned into a small lake.
I was out in the H2 heading to the office through the Farmingdale area when things got REALLY bad. Within a few minutes rapids behind and in front. I immediately sought high ground and found it at BLM after a daunting trip down the suitably named Hurley Pond road. (BTW, I have driven H1/H2's since 1994. When the guy in the big truck is seeking cover....the guy who has snorkeled through creeks and rivers...driven over obstacles of every sort, navigated ledges, sand pit walls, blizzards ....even had canoer's paddle past me while my passengers were tossing tadpoles out the window....when I bail.....its not bad...its really bad!!) .
Anyway, hung at BLM for about 20-30 minutes until visibility returned and rain ultimately ended. Talked my wife and daughter separately to a common safe spot. Back on the road, it was 5-10mph to the office avoiding creeks and bridges for the most part. It was your basic slow ride through mostly through 1-2ft of water on the back roads.
Surveying the area between say 33 and 35/34/70 junction, there was a time 34, 35, GSP, 195, 138 and 71 were all dangerous to unpassable for large sections. Several accidents on all mentioned roads did not help. I never saw google maps traffic ALL red like it was for such a large area. Roughly a 10-10 mile box. GPS...sure....happens all the time during the summer....this was everywhere be it major roads or side streets.
While 175ft elevation does not sound like much it is HUGE in these situations. Those below us even 50-75 feet have a completely different experience when it comes to property. Flooded yards, garages, basements, pools overflowing and flooding out adjacent lots below. Driving along the roads now you can see the water level remnants, sand, dirt, debris and of course standing water. Not just the usual spots that flood during a summer storm. Everywhere you see it.
I would imagine the local rivers and tributaries are swollen to dangerous levels? Manasquan river heading through Allaire would be one example.
I heard PA is also dealing with severe flooding. I have not had time to follow that part yet.
Heading home after a long wet Monday. I usually do not put the fishing waders into the Hummer until Sept.
2018 will be the exception. The rod and tackle can wait another month.
Finally, shout out to those Waze users who used the Noah arc icon to mark the really bad spots. I was LOL when I saw the first one...my wife sent me a photo copy of her screen.
Be safe all...stay dry too!
