Reverse 911 Call Advises Residents to Prepare for Flooding; Overnight Parking Suspended, Newspaper Pick Up Cancelled

A flood watch has been issued for Bergen County from early Thursday morning through Friday. Forecasters are predicting two to four inches of rain to fall during the storm.

"Estimated rainfall amounts will cause flooding in low lying areas as well as cause smaller streams and creeks to rise to their banks," the National Weather Service said. "Many rivers and streams remain at higher than normal levels."

Rain showers are expected to begin Wednesday night turning to heavy rains by Thursday morning. 

A Reverse 911 call was going out to the borough around 5 p.m., according the Borough Administrator Christine Demiris.

The message advised residents to prepare for the potential flooding:

Residents in low lying and flood prone areas should take appropriate precautions to protect their valuables due to the possibility of flooding. Residents are advised not to attempt to drive through flooded areas.

Demiris said the newspaper recycling pick up that was scheduled for Thursday is now cancelled. Newspapers will be picked up on the next collection date, March 24. 

NMPD Chief Frank Papapietro said, "Overnight parking is suspended until Sunday to allow residents in flood prone areas to move their vehicles to higher elevations."

Papapietro said residents should, "check sump pumps and if possible have a battery backup."