Residents of Hider Lane in Gloucester Township can breathe a sigh of relief as the intense rain and flooding that plagued the area last Monday finally receded overnight and the road reopened.
The aftermath – captured in a photo taken at the height of the flooding at 2 a.m. – demonstrated challenges faced by the community during the weather event, while its impact on local roads and the need for temporary closures were lessened by quick responses from residents and emergency services.
Downed trees became another hurdle for users and pedestrians, including one on Hickstown Road. The township’s Fire District 6 was deployed there, and using chainsaws, quickly cut up the fallen tree and removed it. Township police patrols were on hand to temporarily close the roadway and ensuring the safety of both responders and the public.
According to township fire department Chief Chris Brown, the most affected area during the storm was Hyder Lane, near a senior center, where two trees fell at around 3:30 a.m. There were also reports of flooding at the other end of town.
Chief Chris Brown shared insights into the measures taken to manage a fallen tree on Hickstown Road and the associated challenges.
“We utilized chainsaws as a service when the team arrived at the scene,” Brown explained of the Hickstown Road response. “The primary goal was to swiftly clear the roads to prevent any potential hazards for motorists.
“Especially in this area of town,” he added, “the road tends to be pretty dark, so the last thing we want is for people to run into obstacles.”
Road closures were implemented as a precautionary measure and Brown emphasized the importance of a quick response and effective measures to minimize disruptions caused by the heavy rain. As floodwaters receded and roadways were cleared, residents were reminded to stay informed – as always – about updates and road conditions during periods of heavy rainfall and to promptly report any extreme weather issues.
