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Rain Storm in Linden Causes Flood & Damages

The City of Linden was hit by an epic rain storm yesterday, causing major flooding and damage to homes and vehicles in residential areas. At least 5.08 inches of rain fell in Linden within several hours, according to reports from North Jersey Weather Observers.

Although no injuries or casualties were reported, residential property damage to homes and cars was the number one post storm complaint. In some cases, the Linden Fire Department was forced to deploy an inflatable rescue craft to aid in resident retrieval due to rising waters and impassable streets. “Yesterday’s flooding was primarily the result of the intense rains being greater than the 100-Year Storm.” said Nicholas Pantina, Linden’s City Engineer. “Increased impervious surfaces in residential neighborhoods, resulting from redevelopment in these areas, create additional stormwater runoff, which contributes to increased street flooding before entering storm-sewer systems.”

Unlike redevelopment in residential and green areas, major redevelopment projects in non-residential areas, such as apartment complexes, commercial, and industrial developments under PILOT programs, require developers to build onsite infrastructure to manage increased stormwater stress based on findings from project-specific Stormwater Management Reports prior to approval. This process ensures that major redevelopment projects do not cause strain to existing stormwater infrastructure.

Linden’s first responders, Police, Fire, and EMS, were commended by residents and officials for their quick, selfless response. Councilman Alfred Rodriguez (9th Ward) joined Mayor Armstead surveying storm damage. “We owe so much to our first responders for their tireless work keeping residents safe,” said Councilman Eloy Delgado (6th Ward). “Seeing neighbors help neighbors on hard-hit streets like Clinton, 13th, 12th, Emma and others was inspiring. This community spirit is why I love Linden.”

Linden residents who need guidance related to the storm aftermath should contact the Mayor’s office at (908) 474-8493.

City of Linden Fire Department on rafts - July 14 2025 Flood.

July 15th Rainstorm Aftermath

Residents are encouraged to help the city by clearing any debris from catch basins near their homes. With more rain projected this week, staying weather-aware is essential. Residents who experienced damage to their property should begin the process of contacting their insurance carrier and safely remove any damaged property.

In the past, federal disaster declarations were essential to making assistance programs available for residents. There is currently no disaster declaration for in our area, therefore, monetary assistance programs are not available at this time.

Individuals living in flood prone areas should take common sense precautions and monitor conditions for potential flooding. It is advisable to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, as the national weather service will issue flood warnings if necessary. All NWS warnings affecting Linden will be automatically broadcast through the Everbridge App, and they will be available on various weather apps and local news sources. Everbridge emergency messaging will be used in life-threatening situations.

To sign up for the Everbridge emergency alerts, please click here.

Report non-emergency incidents, such as wires or trees down or other calls that do not endanger persons to the Linden Central Dispatch at (908) 474-8500. Report all emergencies, such as sparking wires, trees into homes or buildings, utility emergencies, people trapped in flood water, etc., by calling 9-1-1. As a reminder, do not rely on email or social media to report these issues, even if they see minor or non-emergent. Please always call the non-emergency number if you are concerned and don’t believe it is an emergency warranting a 9-1-1 call.

Residents should report any utility or utility outages directly to the contact points below.

  • Report power outages to PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734. Download the PSE&G mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations, and more. Register with myalerts to receive text messages at PSEG.com/outagecenter Report any outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to 4PSEG (47734), on the PSE&G app, or at pseg.com/myaccount
  • Elizabethtown Gas Company 1-800-242-5830
  • New Jersey American water 1-800-272-1325
  • Comcast 1-800-266-2278 
  • Verizon FiOS 1-888-438-3467 
  • Verizon 1-800-827-4966

Cancelled – July 14, 2025 Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting

Please take notice that the City of Linden, Zoning Board of Adjustment’s scheduled meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025 has been cancelled due to a lack of quorum. All business scheduled for this meeting will be conducted at the next scheduled meeting without further notice. The next Zoning Board meeting will be held on September 8, 2025. For any questions, contact Board Secretary Daniel Sobolewski at zoningboard@linden-nj.gov.

Summer Movies in the Park

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Linden Department of Parks & Recreation are partnering with the Linden Housing Authority to present Movies in the Park.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • What: Movies in the Park, Captain America – Brave New World. Entertainment fun for the whole family!
  • When: Rescheduled date, Wednesday, July 16, at 6:30pm.
  • Where: Peach Orchid Park, which is located at 1400 Dill Avenue.
  • How: Free Admission. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages. We ask that you please properly discard your trash.

Smartphone Training Workshop

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer a Smartphone Training Workshop. This program is made possible in part by a 2025 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Commissioners.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this workshop.

  • Who: Linden Senior Residents.
  • What: Smartphone Training Workshop hosted by Valerie Porter. This session will focus on how to create a social security account online to access earnings data and other important information. It will also focus on spam and fraud prevention.
  • Where: Linden Multi-Purpose Center, which is located at 1025 John Street.
  • When: July 10, 2025 from 12pm until 1:30pm.
  • How: Free workshop. To view full program description and register online, click here. In person registration is available 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street) or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration available 24/7. For more information, call 908-474-8639.

2025 Summer Mini Soccer League

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the 2025 Summer Mini Soccer League. Register early to secure a spot on a team!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Open to all children ages 9 through 12.
  • What: Outdoor soccer. All participants must have their own shin guards.
  • Where: Wheeler Park Turf Field, which is located at 234 West Stimpson Avenue. The League will be held on the Soccer Field, entrance on West Stimpson Avenue.
  • When: The League begins on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm. Program runs through August 7, 2025.
  • How: Registration deadline is July 1, 2025. After deadline, all registrants must register by calling 908-474-8600, and a waiting list will be established. Registration fee is $50 for residents. A one-time annual $6 insurance fee will be added to your total registration fee, per child, if this has not already been paid for with another program. All participants must have their own shin guards. Register online here, or register in person at the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) from 9am until 4pm, or at the Linden Multi Purpose Center (1025 John Street) from 9:30am until 7pm. All locations accept checks, money orders, Visa and Mastercard. No refunds once the League begins. For more information, call 908-474-8600 or 908-474-8627. Please note: all new “First Time” participants must bring the following original documents at the time of registration and we will make copies:
    • Child’s original birth certificate.
    • Household bill showing proof of residency.
    • Diver’s License or photo ID of parent/guardian signing up their child.

Summer Water Safety & Drowning Prevention

As summer begins and families across New Jersey head to pools, lakes, and beaches, the NJDOH’s-Public Health and Food Protection Program is proud to share the Drowning Prevention Toolkit, which is a resource developed to help keep children and families safe around the water!

The Healthy Swimming Toolkit is filled with important, evidence-based guidance to promote safer swimming environments and prevent water-related injuries and illnesses. Drowning is preventable. It can happen in seconds and often without a sound. With a few simple precautions, we can all help reduce the risk and protect our communities.

When you’re ready to swim, don’t forget to FLOAT.

  • Focus on safety – stay alert and avoid distractions like cell phones.
  • Learn basic swimming and rescue skills.
  • Observe children at all times around water.
  • Arm yourself and others with life jackets that fit correctly.
  • Take breaks for bathroom trips and diaper checks.

Drowning Prevention

Water Safety Tips

  • Life jackets save lives. Be sure they match the user’s chest size and weight.
  • Chlorine doesn’t kill germs instantly. Some germs can survive in properly treated water for days. Avoid swallowing pool water.
  • Shower before swimming, because sweat and dirt can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness.
  • Take breaks with children. Check diapers and take regular bathroom trips.
  • Supervise actively. Stay close and avoid distractions—drowning is fast and silent.
  • Know how to respond. Learn CPR and how to recognize swimmers in distress.
  • Teach swimming skills. Lessons reduce risk, but supervision is always needed.

Additional Water Safety & Healthy Swimming Guidance

Stay safe and swim smart!