CAMDEN, N.J. – In a proactive effort to shield residents from the upcoming nor’easter, Camden public works crews spent Thursday clearing storm drains, trimming weeds, and removing debris that could impede water flow. The work comes as the city anticipates heavy rainfall and elevated tides that could cause localized flooding over the weekend.
Preparedness on the ground
“Our teams are ready, and this is what we do, and this is what we’ve been doing for a long time,” said Guy Rozier, a spokesperson for the City of Camden. Crews worked throughout the day to pull out items ranging from leaves and trash to an unexpected satellite dish that had become lodged in a drain. By keeping the drainage system clear, officials hope to prevent water from pooling on roadways and in basements.
Expected conditions
Despite the thorough cleaning, city officials warned that some flooding is still likely because of the tidal surge that accompanies the storm. “There will be some flooding because the tide changes. With the tidal change, this road itself will flood and will flood for some time until the tide goes down for the water to recede,” Rozier explained.
Recent flooding history
Camden has faced repeated flooding this summer. On July 6, heavy rains inundated Haddon Avenue, stranding vehicles and flooding basements, including the JYM Supermarket. Business owner Daniel Duran noted that conditions have improved since that event. “The street is a lot better. It’s day and night,” he said, adding that he has installed sump pumps as an extra precaution.
Duran expressed confidence that the recent improvements to the roadway and storm‑drain system will hold up. “We’re feeling good about it. Let it rain, if it wants to rain, let it rain,” he said.
Ongoing monitoring and safety advice
City crews will continue to monitor flood‑prone areas throughout the weekend, ready to respond to any developing conditions. Officials also urged residents to avoid driving through standing water, reminding the public that even shallow water can be dangerous and cause vehicle damage.
The city’s proactive stance reflects a broader commitment to public safety and infrastructure resilience. By maintaining storm‑drain systems and communicating clearly with the community, Camden aims to minimize the impact of severe weather on families and businesses.
What residents can do
- Stay informed of local weather updates from trusted sources.
- Avoid travel on flooded roads; turn around if water appears unsafe.
- Consider installing personal flood‑mitigation measures, such as sump pumps, especially for basements.
- Report any blocked drains or hazardous conditions to the city’s 311 service.
By working together, Camden residents and city officials can face the nor’easter with confidence and protect the community’s homes, businesses, and way of life.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
