Flash Flooding Traps Vehicles Under Ridgewood Train Trestle During Tuesday Morning Storms

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Torrential morning downpours on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, led to sudden flash flooding across local roadways in Ridgewood, New Jersey, leaving two drivers stranded in rising floodwaters along a notorious low-lying underpass.

Emergency personnel responded quickly to rescue both motorists after their vehicles stalled underneath the NJ Transit train trestle on Franklin Avenue.

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Incident Overview: Stranded Under the Trestle

Rapidly accumulating rainfall caused water levels to spike beneath the NJ Transit trestle on Franklin Avenue, creating hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute:

• Vehicles Trapped: Two separate Mercedes sedans became submerged and disabled after attempting to navigate the rising waters.

• Emergency Rescue: Responding officers from the Ridgewood Police Department and crew members from Ridgewood Fire Department / EMS (Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47) safely assisted both drivers out of their stranded vehicles.

• Zero Injuries: Officials confirmed that neither driver sustained injuries during the rescue operations.

• Scene Clearance: Flatbed tow trucks were brought in to haul away both stalled luxury sedans and clear the underpass once water levels receded.

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Safety Warning for Local Drivers

Low-lying underpasses—especially near train trestles like the one on Franklin Avenue—are notorious hotspots for sudden, deep water accumulation during intense rainfall. Local authorities remind drivers never to drive through flooded roadways:

Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Water depth can be deceiving, and as little as 12 inches of moving water can float small cars and stall engines.

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Key Takeaways

• Location: Franklin Avenue underpass (underneath the NJ Transit train trestle), Ridgewood, NJ.

• Date & Time: Tuesday morning, July 21, 2026.

• Responders: Ridgewood Police Department, Ridgewood Fire Department/EMS (FMBA Local 47).

• Outcome: 2 vehicles towed; 0 injuries reported.

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