Flooding submerges areas of New Jersey after storms

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – Flooding has left areas of New Jersey partially submerged Wednesday morning after storms moved through the area.

Nearly half of Hackensack was underwater, according to the city's fire department. Residents were encouraged to avoid flooded waters and stay off the roads.

Parts of Bergen County got more than five inches of rain.

In Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh said the city was prepared to shut down 30 streets if necessary.

"We have two major concerns: flash flooding, because there are areas in Paterson that are prone to flash flooding, and power outages, so we'll be in constant communication with PSE&G, our provider, all night; probably all week as well," he said. "We have barricades to close off all those streets that are prone to flooding."

The FAA issued a ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday, but that was since lifted as of Wednesday morning.

Officials also warned that things could get worse by the end of the week as Tropical Storm Debby is expected in the area as soon as Friday.