Mayor Jubin's Press Release Regarding the Flooding on July 14

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2025

Watchung, NJ – Mayor Ronald Jubin, Ph.D., has released the following on updates and ongoing activities following devastating thunderstorms of 7/14/2025

Message to Our Community,

Our hearts go out to every resident, business owner, and visitor affected by the unprecedented thunderstorms that struck our community this past Monday, July 14^th. The torrential rainfall brought over 6.5 inches of rain to Watchung in just hours. This vast amount of water eclipsed stormwater management systems and waterways in our Borough and neighboring communities resulting in significant flash flooding.

I want to commend our first responders who demonstrated such extraordinary dedication during this crisis. Emergency management, police officers, firefighters, rescue squad personnel along with public works functioned tirelessly through dangerous conditions to ensure residents’ safety. Their professionalism and courage during those critical hours exemplified the very best of public service.

At daybreak Tuesday morning, I surveyed the damages with our Business Administrator James Damato along with our professional services experts.  Many of our roads, buildings, parks all experienced significant damages. Moreover, many residents and businesses experience losses on their individual properties too. Road repairs are the main priority that have been underway since the moment the floodwaters receded as these represent the greatest safety concerns. We appreciate all those who have reached out to report damages. Rest assured, road debris clean up, tree removal and park restoration are also in progress and these activities will ramp up there as we gain control over the roadway safety challenges.

Please remember - Safety first. Emergencies should be reported through 911. You can contact our Borough Hall offices 8am-4pm at (908) 756-0080 or reach out through our PD Non-emergency line for off hours reporting (908-756-3663).  I encourage you to follow our social media pages and subscribe to email and nixle alerts via our website. Those are our official communication tools. Updates are pushed out periodically as information may become available.

To those who suffered property damage, flooding, or other losses, please know that our borough government stands ready to support you. We understand that behind every damaged property are families’ memories, business owners’ livelihoods, and community members’ sense of security. Your resilience reflects the strength that makes Watchung special.

Further questions may be directed to the Borough Clerk Edith G. Gil at (908) 756-0080 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.