Burlington Co. under state of emergency ahead of storm; some voluntary evacuations encouraged
"We're asking residents in our previous flood zones to voluntarily evacuate in order to avoid putting lives at risk."
DELRAN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Another round of rain is raising concerns of more possible flooding in Burlington County, New Jersey.
County officials declared a state of emergency ahead of a storm set to arrive on Friday night. Meteorologists say heavy rain and strong winds are in the forecast.
Residents in areas impacted by flooding are being encouraged to voluntarily evacuate.
Saturated ground and high waters mean there could be moderate to severe flooding along the Delaware River and its tributaries during Saturday's high tides around 3:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.
Minor flooding along the Rancocas Creek is also possible Friday night and Saturday. Power outages and road closures are also possible due to downed trees and wires.
"Our emergency management teams and first responders are making preparations, but in the interest of everyone's safety, we're asking residents in our previous flood zones to voluntarily evacuate in order to avoid putting lives at risk," Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O'Connell said in a statement.
Tuesday's storm flooded Kirsten James and Dylan Stoer's first home together in Cinnaminson. They moved three months ago and their belongings are still packed in boxes. Now, they're waiting anxiously about this next storm.
"(We're) watching, trying to figure out if we should leave or stay," the couple said.
Neighbors say their block is prone to flooding so they prepare, but this time was different.
"This time it went above the window water, started coming in and I was like, 'I'm gonna lose everything in the basement,'" recalled Brian Veit of Cinnaminson. "It was literally like a tidal wave that came up the river that's the best way I could describe it."
Meanwhile, the Riverside-Delanco Bridge is closed until further notice because of flooding.
An American Red Cross shelter is open at the Delran Firehouse at 9 South Bridgeboro Street and the county said it is prepared to open a second, larger shelter if it is required.
County officials encouraged residents to prepare disaster kits with essential items such as medications, important documents, clothing and necessary supplies.
Residents should also prepare to evacuate on short notice if conditions worsen or a mandatory evacuation order is issued.
You can sign up for real-time alerts from the Burlington County Department of Public Safety's CivicReady Emergency Alert system online at the Burlington County website.
