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Rip current statement for 4 N.J. counties for Tuesday

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 6:39 GMT by NJ.com
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River Inundation Probable (RIP) Statement Issued for Four New Jersey Counties – What Residents Need to Know

A River Inundation Probable (RIP) statement has been released for the Delaware River corridor, affecting the counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem on Tuesday, September 2025. The warning comes amid a week‑long weather system that has produced heavy rainfall across the state, pushing river levels toward historic highs. The statement is a rare alert that signals a significant risk of flooding—potentially severe—in areas that rely on the Delaware River for both commerce and daily life.

What Is a RIP Statement?

Unlike a standard flood warning, a RIP statement is issued by the New Jersey Division of Water Supply (NJDSW) and the National Weather Service (NWS) when river stages are projected to reach or exceed a level that would inundate properties and structures within a short time window. The phrase “probable” indicates that the flood risk is not guaranteed but is likely based on current forecast data, precipitation totals, and real‑time gauge readings.

Key points highlighted by the NJDSW include:

• Stage thresholds: The Delaware River has a 10‑year flood stage of 12.0 ft at the B. Town gauge; the current forecast suggests a rise to 12.8 ft by 6 PM.
• Duration: The river is expected to remain above 12.0 ft for approximately 8 hours, from 5 AM to 10 PM local time.
• Impact zone: Floodwaters will likely reach the South Jersey shore, where low‑lying homes, businesses, and transportation infrastructure lie.
• Response: Residents are urged to heed evacuation orders, keep a safe distance from the riverbank, and avoid driving through flooded roadways.

The statement is accompanied by a PDF map (available on the NJDSW website) that overlays current gauge readings, predicted stages, and the RIP zone. The map also marks key infrastructure—such as the Delaware Crossing Bridge and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) rail lines—that may be affected by rising waters.

County‑by‑County Overview

These thresholds are taken directly from the official RIP statement PDF and cross‑checked with real‑time gauge data posted by the USGS.

The Weather Drivers

The heavy rain that triggered the RIP statement was part of the Southeast U.S. storm system that has dropped 4–6 inches of rain across the state in the past 48 hours. The National Weather Service’s rainfall forecast (available on the NWS website) projects an additional 3–5 inches over the next 24 hours, primarily falling in the western portion of the affected counties. The combination of saturated soils and continuous precipitation has left the Delaware River basin unable to absorb further water, thereby pushing the river toward its flood stage.

The NWS Coastal Forecast (linked in the original article) also notes that the offshore wind shear is expected to intensify, which could further elevate the river's discharge rates.

Practical Steps for Residents

1. Stay Informed
   - Monitor the RIP statement on the NJDSW website or the National Weather Service (NWS) portal.
   - Subscribe to local radio stations (e.g., WBGO, KFKC) for real‑time updates.

2. Prepare Your Home
   - Elevate valuable electronics, important documents, and insurance policies.
   - Install back‑flow valves on plumbing to prevent floodwater entry.
   - Secure loose items in the yard and consider moving them to higher ground.

3. Know Evacuation Routes
   - Identify the nearest Shelter in Place or Evacuation Route on the NJDSW map.
   - Keep a battery‑powered flashlight, a 72‑hour emergency kit, and a supply of water and non‑perishable food.

4. Avoid Driving Through Flooded Roads
   - Even a few inches of water can be hazardous.
   - If you must travel, use the NWS Roadway Flood Advisory map to choose safe routes.

5. Community Resources
   - The South Jersey Emergency Management Agency has set up temporary shelters in the Camden County Fairgrounds and Burlington County Community Center.
   - Local churches (e.g., St. Mary's Catholic Church, Salem Baptist Church) have offered free water, blankets, and shelter.

Additional Resources and Links

• NJ Division of Water Supply (RIP Statement PDF)
  [ Download the official PDF ]

• USGS Real‑Time Gauge Data
  [ B. Town Gauge ]

• National Weather Service – Delaware River Forecast
  [ NWS Forecast ]

• South Jersey Emergency Management
  [ Emergency Shelter Locations ]

• Local News Coverage
  The Star-Ledger article on Camden flooding:
  https://www.nj.com/2025/09/camden-floods-continue-as-rip-statement-acts.html

• Community Response on Social Media
  Check local Facebook groups such as “Camden Residents” for first‑hand updates.

What to Expect After Tuesday

Once the river begins to recede—anticipated around 10 PM—local authorities will continue monitoring for any secondary flooding, particularly from the Sandy Creek tributary. The NJDSW will issue a post‑storm assessment, and the NWS will update their long‑range forecast to reflect any changes in rainfall patterns. Residents are advised to stay vigilant until official statements indicate that the RIP condition has ended and all flood warnings have been lifted.

Bottom Line

The issuance of a River Inundation Probable statement for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem underscores the seriousness of the current weather event. While the situation is still developing, the data suggest that flooding is likely and potentially severe. By staying informed, preparing ahead, and following the guidance of state and federal agencies, residents can minimize risk and protect themselves and their families.

Stay tuned for updates on NJ.com’s Weather Alerts section, and keep an eye on the NWS and NJDSW communications for the latest information.