FLASH FLOOD WATCH ISSUED FOR MERCER;
HUGHES ADVISES CAUTION IF HEAVY RAIN RETURNS

TRENTON – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Mercer County and the surrounding area from 4 p.m. today through 2 a.m. Thursday, as thunderstorms with potentially heavy rain are forecast to move through the region, and County Executive Brian M. Hughes is advising people to use caution and avoid flooded roadways.

“If we do get more heavy rain, please stay off the roads if at all possible,” Mr. Hughes said. “And above all, don’t attempt to drive through flooded areas. Doing so not only puts you in harm’s way, but it puts emergency responders at risk as well.”

Mr. Hughes said that waterways in Mercer County have receded to normal levels after Tropical Storm Ida tore through the region late last week, causing many rivers and streams to overflow their banks. But additional heavy rain later today could cause flash flooding in poor-drainage areas. “Be prepared and take necessary precautions,” he said.