Morris County Office of Emergency Management

09/23/2023

This past week members of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Morris County Special Operations Group, & Morris County Sheriff's Emergency Response Team, in partnership with the training cadre of the Morristown Police Department finished our second day of Rescue Task Force (RTF) training for the MPD and members of the Morris Township Fire Department. A special thank you to Chief Darnell Richardson of the Morristown Police Department and Chief Michael Nunn of the Morris Township Fire Department for supporting the RTF training. We are looking forward to many more training classes as we continue to move forward with this important Rescue Task Force initiative and interdisciplinary training!

Morristown Department of Public Safety
Morris County Sheriff's Office
Morris Township Police Department
Morris Township Fire Department
Morristown Fire Bureau

09/23/2023

Greetings from the Morris County Office of Emergency Management. We hope this Saturday finds you all well.

We continue to monitor Tropical Storm Ophelia and the potential impact on Morris County.

The briefing this morning from our weather partners suggest that rain and rain showers will continue this morning, but tend to diminish a bit this afternoon and evening.

Rain will increase again overnight into Sunday, with the heaviest rain likely Sunday afternoon and evening.

Rain will taper off and end Sunday night. Total rainfall for today through Sunday and Sunday night will be between 1.5" and 2.5".

Winds will increase today, with peak gusts between 30-40 mph this afternoon and evening.

Winds will diminish overnight, but some gusts up to 30 mph will be possible through Sunday.

The greatest flood threat will come tomorrow as low pressure tracks near/over the area, which can generate slow-moving bands of rain, resulting in heavy rainfall totals in a short period of time.

The bulk of the rain will gradually slide east with time later in the day tomorrow.

09/13/2023

Special thanks to Seth Ditmer, Director of Emergency Disaster Services – NJ Division, and his team from The Salvation Army, Dover NJ for coming out to attend our OEM Coordinators Workshop earlier this morning! The Salvation Army plays a key-role in disaster relief effort, and remain ready to immediately respond to communities affected by disasters and other emergencies. We are very grateful to Seth, his team, and all of the volunteers who come out to support our response and recovery efforts here in Morris County and beyond!

09/11/2023

West, East, North of I-80: Slow moving t-storm from Boonton to Parisppany has already dropped 0.50-1.00", another 1" possible thru 5;30 PM, as it slowly drifts east. Watch for pockets of poor drainage/roadway flooding.

09/09/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued September 9 at 4:37PM EDT until September 9 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

09/09/2023

West: A strong storm over Morris Plains is moving west towards the area and can produce isolated gusts 45 - 55 mph as well as some hail up to quarter size. Risk through 5 - 5:30 PM.

09/09/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued September 9 at 4:08PM EDT until September 9 at 5:15PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

09/09/2023

East, North of I-80: T-storm intensifying overhead has potential to bring 45-55 mph wind gusts, penny to quarter sized hail, and torrential downpours thru 5pm, though heavy rain and spotty poor drainage flooding may linger a bit longer.

09/09/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued September 9 at 3:47PM EDT until September 9 at 4:30PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

09/08/2023

West: A few strong storms move in from the south over the next 15-30 minutes bringing embedded gusts to 50 mph and up to penny size hail (mainly thru 6p). This storm is ahead of a few others that can also be on the strong side with returning torrential downpours leading to areas of flooding.

09/08/2023

North of I-80: A cluster of storms to the SE will begin to arrive over the next 20 - 35 mins, bringing torrential downpours that can lead to poor drainage / roadway flooding as well as 40 - 50 mph gusts and up to penny sized hail. Storms can continue to develop into the remainder of the afternoon.

09/08/2023

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Morris County Special Operations Group, Morris County Sheriff's Emergency Response Team & Emergency Services Unit, in partnership with the training cadre of the Morristown Police Department had an excellent day of Rescue Task Force (RTF) training for the MPD and members of the Morris Township Fire Department yesterday, September 8, 2023. We have had the pleasure of working closely with all of the emergency response disciplines in both Morristown and Morris Township, and are looking forward to additional upcoming training opportunities.

As we often say when we share these posts, the times have changed and training is imperative. The need to integrate fire and EMS personnel alongside law enforcement officers for a multi-agency response to mass casualty incidents (MCIs) is critical to saving lives. First responders of all disciplines must work together to effectively mitigate such events and make a difference in the lives of others when time matters most.

A special thank you to Chief Darnell Richardson of the Morristown Police Department and Chief Michael Nunn of the Morris Township Fire Department for supporting the RTF training yesterday.

Morris County Sheriff's Office
Morristown Department of Public Safety
Morris Township Police Department
Morris Township Fire Department
Morristown Fire Bureau

09/08/2023

East: A strong storm developing just off to our SE brings an immediate threat for wind gusts over 50 mph, up to quarter size hail, over the next 30-40 minutes. Torrential downpours and additional storms, some severe, can return over the next hour or two and bring flooding.

09/07/2023

East: A strong storm has developed over Rockaway, capable of gusts up to 50 mph, small hail, and torrential downpours that can lead to areas of poor-drainage flooding. Threat thru 7:45 PM.

09/07/2023

West: A strong storm has developed over Rockaway, capable of gusts up to 50 mph, small hail, and torrential downpours that can lead to areas of poor-drainage flooding. Threat thru 7:45 PM.

09/07/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued until 7:45PM

09/07/2023

North of I-80: Storms arrive between 7:05 - 7:20 PM, bringing 40 - 50 mph gusts, small hail, and torrential downpours that can lead to areas of poor-drainage flooding. Worst misses to the NW. Threat thru 7:45 PM.

08/16/2023

08/12/2023

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning which is in effect until 1200am.

08/12/2023

Please don’t kill the messenger!

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Morris County.

The weather team has informed us that we may see storms move in over the next couple of hours.

The forecast data suggests that the storms have the potential to turn strong to severe.

We will continue to monitor and update as is necessary.

08/07/2023

Good evening all,

We have a line of storms moving out of eastern PA and into NJ currently.

The weather team informs us that it looks to arrive in our area between 830-9pm.

The storms could be strong to severe with quick heavy rainfall, occasional to frequent lightning, wind gusts of 45-55mph, and small hail.

Total rainfall amounts rage from 1-2”.

To report a power outage

https://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html

08/07/2023

Last week (July 31-August 4) we held our annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy. We are pleased to announce that 23 high-school students graduated the program on Friday. This program is fully sponsored by the Morris County Board of Commissioners and would not be possible without their support. We also extend our sincere thanks to Sheriff James M. Gannon and the entire Morris County Sheriff's Office staff for partnering with us to make this program a huge success. Congratulations to all of our cadets!

Click on the following link to check out the 2023 MCPSYA Program video to see our highlights from the week!

08/01/2023

This morning marked the start of our tenth-annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy program. Today, 25 cadets began their weeklong immersion into the field of public safety. Chief Jack Ambrose of the Morris County Sheriff's Office started the day off strong teaching formation, marching, teamwork and the core principles of the week. After pushing through a challenging morning of PT and a quick team building exercise, we put the cadets through a variety of exercises and scenarios from our Morris County Bleeding Control Training Program following the same principles of a program that has been taught to thousands of our first responders countywide (Police, Fire, EMS, and more). The Instructors are already looking forward to another exciting day tomorrow...

Please join us by wishing this years cadets good luck as they head into a very challenging and rewarding week!

07/29/2023

West, North of I-80: A strong storm to the west will arrive 630-650 PM, and will have potential to produce gusty winds of 40-50 mph and torrential downpours which can lead to some poor drainage issues. Storms exit 730-745PM.

07/29/2023

A hot, humid, and mainly dry next few hours are on tap. A disturbance accompanied by a batch of scattered showers/storms in central PA is moving east and will approach through the afternoon. Activity will become possible in the area by the late afternoon, and will move through relatively quickly as the risk for storms diminishes towards sunset. The conditions in the atmosphere will allow for the risk for a few stronger storms to turn strong-severe with the main concern being briefly gusty winds and heavy rain. The threat time is 4p-8p. Due to the showery hit or miss nature of the activity, coverage is in question with the most frequent storms/greatest severe risk likely staying south of the area

07/27/2023

North of I-80: A line of storms move in from the NW over the next 30 minutes. Main risk scattered wind gusts of 40 - 50 mph that can bring down a few tree limbs / powerlines. Concern mostly with initial storms, though a slow movement can also cause poor drainage in prone areas through 8:30 PM.

07/27/2023

Update - The storms of concern for today are running on the late side... Nevertheless, there is a line of storms still up in NY/PA that is approaching from our NW. Timing on this line puts it moving through our area shortly, roughly moving through between 5:30 and 8:30 PM. There still is scattered strong to severe gust potential with this line, however the severe risk has diminished a bit and issues will stay rather localized. Activity exits not too long after sunset with a muggy night ahead.

07/27/2023

The weather team has advised us that we may experience a shower or storm early this afternoon, with the peak possibly occurring between 2:30-5:30 PM. Wind damage is once again the main concern. Local wind gusts have the potential to reach 50-60+mph. Storm activity is expected to exit around or just after sunset, and the rest of the night is anticipated to be quiet but muggy.

07/25/2023

East: A line of strong storms will move in 2:20- 2:50 PM. Main concern are embedded gusts 50 - 60 mph & roadway flooding. Some hail penny to quarter size. This line is the main severe threat, but other storms back into PA will extend a risk for additional gusty winds/flooding until 5 or 6 PM.

07/25/2023

West: A cluster of storms will move in 2 - 2:45 PM. Main concern are a some embedded gusts 40 - 50 mph & roadway flooding from downpours. Mostly small hail (less than penny). This cell is ahead of add'l storms back into PA that can extend a risk for additional gusty storms/flooding until 4 or 5 PM.

07/16/2023

Based on the weather issues which started on Saturday, July 15th, 2023, Governor Murphy has declared a State of Emergency which became effective at 4:00pm today.

07/16/2023

Early torrential downpours and storms have cleared the region, with lingering showers continuing to exit over the next hour. Much of the area will experience a lull through the morning before additional scattered showers and storms develop across the area. Given the extremely moist airmass in place, torrential rainfall rates in excess of 1-3"/hr will be possible, which can produce poor drainage/roadway flooding in addition to at least some stream/creek issues. Issues can be significant in some spots, especially across the hardest-hit locations from this morning's rain (locally near 2 - 4" in spots). Activity will then gradually shift to the east into the evening, with the greatest flooding risk finally coming to an end. We then dry out overnight, with comparably calm weather taking over tomorrow.

07/16/2023

The Tornado threat has been lifted!

07/16/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:
Tornado Warning issued July 16 at 5:58AM EDT until July 16 at 6:30AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

07/16/2023

East: A strong storm located near Brookside is capable of producing damaging wind gusts of 45 - 60 mph and localized poor drainage flooding. The storm is showing signs of rotation and a tornado cannot be ruled out as well as it heads NE. Immediate risk through 6:20 AM.

07/16/2023

West: Additionally, heavy rainfall continues. Amounts so far have been 0.25-0.75", 1"+ far western Morris Co. Given sensitivity to flooding from recent rains, areas of poor drainage & stream/creek flooding are likely. Immediate risk eases thru 7am, but add'l slow moving downpours likely later this AM.

07/16/2023

North of I-80: A strong storm located near Chester is capable of producing damaging wind gusts of 45 - 60 mph. The storm is showing signs of rotation and a tornado cannot be ruled out as well as it heads NE. Immediate risk through 6:20 AM.

07/16/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:

Tornado Warning issued July 16 at 5:31AM EDT until July 16 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly NJ has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
Central Morris County in northern New Jersey...
South central Sussex County in northwestern New Jersey...
North central Somerset County in northern New Jersey...

* Until 600 AM EDT.

* At 531 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Peapack And Gladstone, or 11 miles west of
Morristown, moving northeast at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.

* Locations impacted include...
Dover, Hopatcong, Boonton, Wharton, Rockaway, Morris Plains, Mount
Arlington, Mendham, Mountain Lakes, Peapack And Gladstone, Chester,
Victory Gardens, Succasunna, Succasunna-Kenvil, Lake Telemark, Lake
Mohawk and White Meadow Lake.

This includes the following highways...
Interstate 80 in New Jersey between mile markers 29 and 42.
Interstate 287 in New Jersey between mile markers 43 and 48.

07/16/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:
Tornado Warning issued July 16 at 5:31AM EDT until July 16 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

07/16/2023

MorrisCounty Alert:

Flash Flood Warning issued July 16 at 5:26AM EDT until July 16 at 9:30AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
Central Morris County in northern New Jersey...
Northeastern Hunterdon County in northwestern New Jersey...
Southeastern Sussex County in northwestern New Jersey...
East Central Warren County in northwestern New Jersey...

* Until 930 AM EDT.

* At 526 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of
rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1
hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in
the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly.

HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar.

IMPACT...Flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas,
highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other
drainage and low lying areas.

* Some locations that may experience flash flooding include...
Dover, Hopatcong, Hackettstown, Wharton, Rockaway, Mount
Arlington, Franklin, Mendham, High Bridge, Stanhope, Netcong, and
Clinton.

This includes the following highways...
Interstate 78 in New Jersey between mile markers 17 and 21.
Interstate 80 in New Jersey between mile markers 17 and 39.
Turn around...don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most
flood deaths occur in vehicles.