The Division of Engineering & Public Works is aware of the intense rainstorm that impacted our area last night. Rainfall totals ranged from 4 to 6 inches across the City, with the heaviest rain falling in the southern and western areas. At times, the rainfall exceeded the intensity of a 100-year storm.
Our stormwater systems, designed mostly for 25-year storms, were overwhelmed, causing localized flooding. Catch basins overflowed, some manhole covers were dislodged, and nearby streams rose above their banks. The Passaic River near the DPW peaked at 2,150 cubic feet per second (CFS), compared to its usual 93 CFS for mid-July and 2,450 CFS during Hurricane Irene in 2011.
City crews worked throughout the night to manage conditions as safely as possible. The sanitary sewer system also saw increased flow, pushing pump stations to their limits. As of this morning, water levels have stabilized and both systems are being assessed.
If you experienced flooding, please share photos, videos, or reports with us at summitdcs@cityofsummit.org or call 908-273-6404.