New Jersey residents brace for more rain as floodwater rises

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) -- One vehicle after another slowly waded through floodwater several inches deep in intersections across New Jersey.

Many of these scenes may be just a preview of what’s coming our way as more rain from Hurricane Debbie heads north later this week.

Hackensack, one of the municipalities across New Jersey, is struggling to manage ground saturation.

As it continues to rain steadily, at a certain point the water has nowhere left to go but into streets, businesses, and homes.

On Route 17 in Hasbrouck Heights, cones blocked off the highway's long flood-prone stretch.

On Bergen Street in Paterson, workers inspected storm drains in anticipation of the Passaic River once again rising high enough to overtake the pavement.

This week’s rough weather is making life incredibly difficult for residents and business owners, including Ney Jaime. "They are saying Friday, coming like 16 feet of water. We move everything. I don't want to wait," said Jaime.

Jaime runs an auto mechanic shop and has lost several vehicles due to flooding. While appreciative of the city's unsuccessful efforts to prop him up financially, Ney says he is still struggling.

"Nobody supports here. Nobody gives nothing to me and the city don't go no money," said Jaime.

Paterson Mayor Andrew Sayegh says his crews are already looking ahead to the next weather event. "We are looking ahead - 48 hours. We still have barricades in the areas that are prone to flooding. We are in constant communication with PSE&G relative to power outages so Paterson is prepared for whatever this storm has in store for us."