Home Events + News A Guide To Flooding Resources In Hoboken, New Jersey

A Guide To Flooding Resources In Hoboken, New Jersey

by Erin Lanahan
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Fall weather brings rainy days and gloomy skies, which means the risk of flooding in Hoboken is increasing. As many residents already know, when it rains in Hoboken, certain parts of the City are underwater. When hurricane season hits from August through November, flooding experiences can increase exponentially, so being prepared is key. For those impacted by flooding or looking to prepare for the next time it happens in the Mile Square (because it’s a ‘when’ not an ‘if’), we’ve compiled a guide to flooding resources and how to report flooding in Hoboken, New Jersey.

flooding hoboken

Why Does Hoboken Flood So Much?

Before it became the City locals know today, Hoboken was once a tidal marsh island along the Hudson River. The Southwest portion of the City sits at sea level, making it more prone to flooding due to large rainfall. In addition to being at sea level, the City’s original sewer system was not built to handle the large amounts of rainwater. Because of this, the City has constructed a few resiliency parks around town to help mitigate the flood waters during huge storms.

Read More: How to Deal With Mold in Your Home + Who to Call

In Case Of Emergency

The most important part of a flooding emergency is making sure you and your loved ones are safe. Guidance from The National Weather Service says to get to higher ground immediately if experiencing flooding.

  • Stay informed by tuning into television or radio reports. Check social media accounts if online for real-time updates.
  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Do not go into a basement or any room where water levels cover electrical outlets or if electrical cords are submerged.
  • Avoid flood waters. According to The National Weather Service, it only takes six inches of water to knock someone off their feet.
  • Do not drive through flood waters. Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards like sharp objects, wires, and washed-out roads.
  • If you are in danger, call the Hoboken Fire Department emergency line at 911 or 201-420-2004 to be rescued. 
  • You can also call the Hoboken police at 201-420-2100 if there is flooding, and the police department can deploy OEM (Office of Emergency Management) as needed.
  • Call 911 for any other emergencies.

A Flood Map of Hoboken

flooding map hoboken

The Devan
sojo spa

Photo Credit: ArcGIS

There are several areas in Hoboken that are prone to flooding:

Golden Door Dispensary
  • Park Avenue
  • Garden Street
  • Newark Street
  • Observer Highway
  • Clinton Street
  • 8th Street
  • Willow Avenue
  • River Street
  • 1st Street
  • Harrison Street
  • 2nd Street
  • Jackson Street
  • Monroe Street
  • Hudson Street
  • Madison Street
  • Grand Street
  • Adams Street
  • 9th Street
  • Hoboken Avenue
  • 14th Street
 

 

Reporting Flooding In Hoboken

Hoboken residents should follow the City’s Twitter or Facebook to see flooding updates, advisories, watches, and warnings in real-time.

Locals can also sign up to receive email and text updates via Nixle on the City’s website.

To report flooded intersections or clogged drains, call the NHSA Hotline at 866-689-3970.

Any downed wires or power outages should be reported to PSEG.

The Hoboken Office of Emergency Management also helps coordinate people and resources through its comprehensive emergency management system. Residents can call 201-420-2100 to get in touch with Hoboken police, who will deploy OEM as needed.

For the latest updates in the event of an emergency, follow @HobokenOEM on X.

The Hoboken Flood Warning System

Back in 2022, the City of Hoboken installed an automated flood warning system in some of the most flood-prone intersections to help protect the city and deter potentially dangerous travel during severe storms.

The goal was to safely close flood-prone intersections during big storms to prevent further damage to property and to keep residents safe. The system is made up of five master gauging stations, 11 remotes with warning signs, and one base station. These automated barriers are activated by real-time flooding monitoring sensors. It allows City officials to see water levels in real time so they can close the gates when flood waters start rising. These flood barricades are installed in the flood-prone areas of Hoboken and are only activated when these rain events occur.

Flood walls are being constructed along the waterfront in Hoboken to help mitigate storm surge flooding. Nearly 10,000 linear feet of concrete walls and 28 floodgates will go up during a storm and act as a moat as part of the Rebuild By Design project. The goal of the project is to rebuild stronger after the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

The City also posts “No Parking” signs in flood-prone areas in Hoboken. It is usually in the southwest part of the City, and the signs are there to encourage residents to move their cars so they don’t get trapped in floodwaters during intense rainfall events.

See More: What to Do if Your Home Floods in Montclair + Beyond

Property Destruction from Flooding

If your house or apartment does experience flooding, there are a few steps to take after you assess flood damage.

  • Contact the fire department if there are concerns about water levels reaching electrical wires or outlets.
  • If renting, contact the landlord to report any damage.
  • Document any damage.
  • Contact your insurance company to report any damage.
  • If needed, contact a flood remediation specialist.
  • Every few hours, ShopVac areas with a lot of water.
  • Prevent mold damage by keeping areas as dry as possible. Treat problem areas with a strong cleaner, like a bleach solution.

If you run into issues with your landlord when reporting flooding damage, the City provides free legal services for tenants. Appointments can be made online.

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