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By Nick Mordowanec and Hollie Silverman
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Two people have died after their car was swept away in floodwaters in New Jersey Monday night, officials said in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday morning.
"The City of Plainfield is deeply saddened to confirm that two individuals lost their lives during the flash flooding that occurred on July 14," the statement read.
Newsweek reached out to Plainfield city officials via email for further comment.
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The Context
This is the second time this month that people have died in storms in Plainfield, according to the statement. Two others were killed in a "severe storm" that struck on July 3, according to city officials.
The deaths came as downpours across multiple states, including New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, prompted dozens of water rescues.
What To Know
"According to preliminary reports, a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of the storm," the City of Plainfield said in Tuesday's Facebook post. "Emergency personnel responded quickly, but tragically, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene."
Victims' names are currently being withheld pending notification of their families. The city extended its "heartfelt condolences to those affected by this loss."
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Monday night amid flooding caused by heavy rainfall. "Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey," Murphy said on X.
On Tuesday morning, during an unrelated press conference, Murphy provided an update to residents about the weather event.
"We had some serious weather that hit us...I'd say Union County and Somerset County had the biggest impact, a whole number of communities. A significant amount of damage, which we're still assessing."
The White House reached out to the state for potential federal support. Less than 3,000 homeowners lost power from the flood, Murphy said.
Roads are closed on Tuesday across the Garden State as floodwater recedes, and municipalities work to repair the damage done. It's unknown whether other individuals were injured or are missing following yesterday's flooding, or the extent of the damage that requires repair and cleanup.
Plainfield announced the following temporary service changes:
- All city pools and parks are closed on July 15 for inspection and safety assessment.
- Services at the Plainfield Senior Center are suspended on July 15.
- The Departments of Public Works and Sewer and Solid Waste are developing a citywide bulk and brush collection plan to assist residents with post-storm cleanup.
What People Are Saying
Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, in a statement: "All of Plainfield grieves this latest loss. To lose four residents in such a short span of time is unimaginable. We mourn with the families, and we remain committed to doing all we can to strengthen our emergency response systems and protect our residents from future harm."
What Happens Next
The New Jersey Department of Transportation issued a statement on Tuesday, saying that Route 22 and Route 28 are closed in both directions to clear debris and make emergency roadway repairs caused by flooding in Somerset and Middlesex counties. Motorists are advised to avoid both roads.
Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website, www.511nj.org, for construction updates and real-time travel information.
Update 7/15/25, 12:04 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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