By: Richard L. Smith
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for portions of the region through 1 pm Sunday as heavy rainfall creates potentially dangerous and life-threatening conditions.
Residents are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded streets, highways, underpasses and other low-lying areas. Motorists should never attempt to drive through standing or moving water.
I observed hazardous conditions firsthand while traveling along the Garden State Parkway toward Edison Sunday morning.
Heavy rain caused significant water accumulation along portions of the highway, particularly near the shoulders, as intense downpours moved through Middlesex and Union counties.
The warning comes as Newark and much of North Jersey experience the rainy Sunday morning we reported earlier.
While the rain is not expected to last throughout the day, conditions remain dangerous right now as excessive runoff could quickly overwhelm streets and poor-drainage areas.
If you do not have to travel, staying indoors until conditions improve is strongly advised.
RLS Media will continue tracking the storm and provide updates as conditions change.