City of Trenton Continuing Evacuation Proceedings in High-Risk Flood Zones as Water Levels Rise Again

Water Levels Still Expected to be Nearly Twice as Normal Despite Improved Weather Conditions

September 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mayor W. Reed Gusciora today encouraged remaining residents in neighborhoods with a high risk of flooding to heed City warnings and begin evacuation despite improved weather conditions over the last 24 hours.

Mayor Gusciora declared a State of Emergency effective 6:00 p.m. yesterday and encouraged residents in flood-prone areas along the Delaware River, such as the Island neighborhood, to begin making arrangements to evacuate. Since then, the Trenton Police Department has been going door to door advising residents of the situation and providing relevant information, including shelter and evacuation procedures.

So far, the TPD has evacuated a majority of residents living in the Island neighborhood.

“We don’t want the improved weather conditions to detract from the sense of urgency about moving to higher ground,” said Mayor Gusciora. “As we have said all along, the threat from this storm was not just the flash flooding from last night, but also water coming into the Delaware from other regions impacted by Ida. The water is rising at this moment. Again, if you live on a high-risk street, we strongly encourage you to evacuate as soon as you can.”

Current projections still show water levels will reach as high as 21.3 feet – nearly twice the normal level. Water has already begun rising again after dipping slightly overnight as the intense rain from Tropical Depression Ida subsided.

Olden Avenue has already been closed again from E. State Street to North Clinton Avenue as conditions at Assunpink Creek and other water sources worsen. Sections of Mulberry Street, Route 1 and Route 29 are closed as well.

Trenton has not yet had to shut down electricity in high-risk regions as was initially planned this morning. However, the City will evaluate neighborhood-wide power shutdowns later this evening.

The Trenton Police Department (TPD) has set up a Command Post on Mount Vernon and Clearfield Avenue, which will be staffed 24 hours a day. Residents in the area with questions or concerns about the evacuation process can reach the Command Post directly at (609) 712-4831. All other reports of downed trees, flooding, and other weather-related damage should be reported to the Office of Emergency Management at (609) 989-4200.

All storm related information including instructions for evacuating residents can be found at https://www.trentonnj.org/flood.

The TPD is focusing its evacuation efforts in the Island section of the city, including the following streets:

Clearfield Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Riverside Drive
Lipton Avenue
Newell Avenue
Laclede Avenue
Bloomfield Avenue
Westminster Avenue
Mt. Vernon Avenue
Rodgers Avenue

A shelter has been set up at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School on 1300 Stuyvesant Avenue. Food, water, and sleeping accommodations will be included. Anyone who needs transportation can call (609) 989-4200.

Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the City’s Emergency Broadcast System to receive important updates on major road closures, evacuations, or other critical updates:

To receive text alerts, text ‘Trenton411’ to 99411.
To receive voice message alerts, sign up at www.trentonnj.org/reverse911.
All relevant updates will also be posted on https://www.trentonnj.org/flood and the City’s Facebook and Twitter page
Residents that need emergency assistance should dial 911. Residents that need non-emergency assistance can reach the Trenton Police Department at (609) 989-4170.
Power outages should be reported to PSE&G at (800) 436-PSEG.