⚡Heavy rain dumped up to 5.75 inches across parts of North Jersey

⚡Water rescues were reported in Hawthorne, Paterson and Woodland Park

⚡Forecasters say additional flooding and severe weather are unlikely

The northern half of New Jersey was hit by heavy rain and wind from Tuesday’s storms while southern areas stayed dry.

Case in point is the 3-5 inches that fell in parts of Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, according to New Jersey 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow. Bethlehem Township had the highest official amount with 5.75 inches. Other areas to the south reported around an inch or two.

Heavy rains caused flash flooding in Hawthorne where the fire department said it made 17 water rescues when the Goffle Brook overflowed.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh told ABC 7 Eyewitness News that intense water pressure caused a manhole cover to rise up, requiring at least 20 people to be rescued.

“It was intense. Really intense,” Sayegh said.

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No tornadoes confirmed as New Jersey forecast improves

NBC New York reports a man was struck by lightning on Hoffman Station Road in Monroe (Middlesex) around 3 p.m.  A large tree also reportedly fell on a home on Susan Avenue in Midland Park, taking out part of the roof, a deck, a fence and two cars, according to CBS New York.

First responders in Woodland Park used high-water rescue vehicles to evacuate 60 teachers and children from two daycare centers.

Although a tornado watch was issued for the entire state on Tuesday afternoon, there was no activity that warranted a visit from a National Weather Service survey team, according to Zarrow.  A team will visit the area near Trappe in Talbot County, Maryland.

Zarrow said that the forecast, which initially called for a second day of potentially similar storms, has changed.

“While Wednesday and Thursday will remain unsettled, with clouds and spotty showers around, additional flooding and severe weather seem unlikely. In fact, we should see partial sunshine and comfortably warm temperatures,” Zarrow said.

Dark clouds over Pemberton Tues., July 29, 2026 (Vanna Lynn)Dark clouds over Pemberton Tues., July 29, 2026

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Gallery Credit: Dan Zarrow