Torrential Flooding in Union County Leaves Devastation and Loss of Life

In Union County, New Jersey — right on the border of Plainfield and North Plainfield — residents are grappling with the devastating aftermath of torrential rains and flash flooding that struck the area overnight.

This section of New Jersey was among the hardest hit, with homes damaged, streets overwhelmed, and lives forever changed.

Throughout the day, I spoke with families and homeowners trying to salvage what they could. Many told me they lost nearly everything inside their homes. In some cases, the water rose so quickly that people had to scramble to upper floors to escape.

“One man told us his father had to rush upstairs because the water was rising so fast. He could’ve been in serious danger,” I reported from the scene.

Outside homes, the streets were lined with ruined furniture, waterlogged appliances, and piles of personal belongings. But the material loss wasn’t the only tragedy.

According to the mayor of Plainfield, two women lost their lives during the height of the storm. They were inside a car when the heavy flooding swept their vehicle off the road and into a nearby creek. While the official cause of death has not been released, it appears they drowned after their car was overcome by rising water.

“It’s a very dangerous situation,” I said, relaying the mayor’s warning. “When the rain is coming down that hard, you’ve got to try to get to safety — and avoid driving if you can.”

We also saw shocking video footage showing small cars being carried down streets like boats on a river — streets that today are dry, deceptively calm, and marked only by mud and debris.

Even as the skies cleared and the sun returned, the emotional toll was obvious. Residents told me they’re now navigating insurance claims, cleanup, and uncertainty over what they can recover. Some homes remain without gas, though power has been restored to many areas.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed as residents begin the difficult process of recovery. While power has returned to many homes, gas service remains out in parts of the neighborhood. As the community works to rebuild, the impact of this storm will be felt for some time.