Heavy rainfall floods roadways, strong winds take down trees for morning commute across New Jersey
HOBOKEN, N.J. -- A powerful storm bringing heavy rain and strong wind flooded roadways and took down trees overnight into the Monday commute.
CBS New York's Zinnia Maldonado has been driving around in Mobile 2 checking on conditions across New Jersey.
By early Monday, New Jersey utilities reported a total of more than 46,000 customers without power.
Schools in Ridgewood are under a two-hour delay because of flooding and downed tree limbs.
Saddle River police say most river crossings have flooded and East Allendale Road is closed in the center of town.
Meanwhile in Paterson, multiple cars became stranded overnight in floodwater along Sixth Street.
The Jersey Shore could also see coastal flood concerns, particularly around high tide. Places like Sea Bright will see the water rise around 1:14 p.m.
Watch Tony Sadiku on the Jersey Shore
The storm developed in the Gulf of Mexico and tracked up the coast, lashing parts of Florida and South Carolina. Charleston reported 10 inches of rain.
Tri-State Area airports started to report interruptions on Sunday night, as travelers braced for the beginning of a busy holiday week. By early Monday, there were dozens of cancellations and delays at John F. Kennedy International Airport, there were five cancellations and 12 delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, and there were at least 150 cancellations and dozens of delays at LaGuardia Airport.
"I have a friend flying in tonight on a redeye. I told her good luck getting back to your house in the morning," said Justin Zayak of Hoboken.
Watch Natalie Duddridge's report
CBS New York went to Hoboken, where a flood watch was issued through 5 a.m. Monday.
The rain started to pick up before 9:30 p.m. and stayed heavy overnight. Officials said, fortunately, most people will be home sleeping and not on the roads, but they want to residents to be prepared for a possible messy morning commute.
"It is worth the warning. You might have to leave early or be cautious," one person said.
"I'm definitely careful when I'm driving. This area is known to flood. I'm from Hudson County. My basement floods," another said.
READ MORE: Wet, windy weather leads to localized flooding, toppled trees in parts of Queens
Heeding the warnings, Hoboken residents said they're aware of the flood and wind advisories in place encouraging people to secure items on balconies or in backyards, and to stay off the roads.
"I saw the weather is going to be dangerous, so I have to go home," one person said.
READ MORE: First Alert Weather: Red Alert Sunday for heavy rain, strong wind and possible flooding
The city of Newark also issued a rain advisory until 11 a.m. Monday. Authorities said if you have to drive during the overnight hours, don't go through flooded areas or move barricades.
"If the water is pretty high, I slow down with the hazards on," one driver said. "On the highway, I've seen a couple times if there's a lot of water under the underpass you'll see cars just stop. If I see a car stop with hazards, I slow down tremendously."
Stick with CBS New York for continuing team coverage of the storm.
