Cranford Police Department 2011 Annual Report - Cranford.com

2011 In Review
Cranford Police Department—Hurricane Irene
Hurricane Irene
On August 28, 2011, Hurricane Irene made
landfall in southern New Jersey, tracking north
and passing over the majority of the state,
including Union County. Despite several days
advanced warning, and intense planning efforts
by Township Officials and Emergency
Management personnel, the storm devastated
considerable portions of Cranford Township and
resulted in major flooding from the Rahway
River. The storm resulted in 9.7” of rain in 24
hours. In addition, we saw 18.93” of rain in all of
August which made it the wettest month on
record with the National Weather Service.
In preparation for Irene’s arrival, the Township
ordered a mandatory evacuation for homes in
the 500 year flood plain. Over 2,000 people
were evacuated and an emergency shelter was
opened at the Cranford Community Center on
Walnut Avenue. Despite the evacuation order,
the Cranford Police Department Water Rescue
Team, as well as units from the fire department,
county police and New Jersey State Police,
conducted over 100 rescues of stranded and
trapped residents.
At the peak of flooding, the Rahway River
reached 4.5 feet above flood stage, pouring
water onto surface streets and into numerous
residences. In all, over 1,300 homes
experienced significant flood damage and over
200 experienced first floor flooding. A
combination of flooding and high wind also
caused the loss of power to over 6,000
residences and businesses; power was not
restored to all the affected areas for over five
days. In the Rahway River Watershed area (of
which Cranford is part), the Federal Emergency
Management Agency estimated the value of
damage to homes, schools and municipal
property at over $60 million.
Photo, top, South Avenue at High Street.
Photo, middle, Route 28 at Springfield Avenue.
Photo, bottom, rear of Town Hall at 9:53 a.m. on
Sunday, August 28, 2011.
Cranford Police Department—2011 Annual Report 64