Torrential Rain Causes Flash Flooding, Water Rescues in Hammonton

"Well, that was quite a storm!"

That was Facebook comment from the Hammonton Fire Department after more than two inches of rain fell in just over an hour Tuesday afternoon, causing flashing flooding, stranding drivers, setting off alarms and leading to at least two water rescues in Hammonton.

Heavy rain started a little after 5PM with 2.23 inches of rain falling, according to the National Weather Service. 

Hammonton firefighters were called in to help with water rescues on the corner of Central and Valley Avenue and on the corner of Packard Street at Pleasant Street.

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The Hammonton Fire Department gave this account...

We responded to multiple (way more than we should have!) water rescue assignments, an animal in distress, and a commercial fire alarm.

Thank you to Elwood Volunteer Fire Company - Station 160 for assistance with their high water rescue truck.

Tuesday afternoon's thunderstorms dumped over 7 inches of rain in Chester County, PA, before moving into parts of New Jersey after 5:00.

The Press of Atlantic City reported that quarter-sized hail was observed in Winslow Township, Camden County, and Seaside Park, Ocean County.

According to WPG Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow, more heavy thunderstorms are in our forecast for Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to fire up around mid-afternoon Wednesday (about 3 p.m.) Very heavy rain will be our biggest concern. As we saw on Tuesday, if you pick up an inch or two of rain in an hour, localized flooding and ponding issues can occur quickly. Gusty winds and wicked lightning are possible from these storms too.