Flash Floods in New Jersey Carry Away Vehicles from Local Dealership
In an unusual turn of events, a flash flood struck a Dodge, Jeep, and Ram dealership in northern New Jersey over the weekend, washing away at least sixteen new vehicles and sending them downstream. This incident illustrated that nature still holds the ultimate power, as people often devise creative schemes to steal from car retailers.
According to reports from NJ.com, heavy storms hit the Little Falls region on Saturday evening, bringing nearly five inches of rain. This sudden deluge caused the normally tame Peckman River to swell perilously, quickly transforming it into a fast-moving torrent hungry for Fiat-Chrysler vehicles.
The dealership, located near Route 46, is positioned close to the riverbank. Google Earth footage indicates that many cars were parked perilously close to the water’s edge, some stacked three to four deep. As the floodwaters engulfed the lot, they swept away at least sixteen vehicles, which were later found crammed together against a low bridge downstream.
Video captured from a nearby bridge depicts the chaotic scene, showing several Jeep Compasses, a Jeep Renegade, and a Ram 1500 being engulfed in the turbulent water. Other vehicles are seen floating away, their window stickers and protective wrappings still intact.
A local ABC reporter shared an image of one damaged SUV that passed beneath the bridge and floated further downstream. While it’s challenging to identify the exact model—possibly a Jeep Grand Cherokee—the vehicle’s severely ruined condition is testament to the flood’s tremendous force. A towing operator mentioned to ABC7 that sixteen vehicles had to be extracted from the river, all filled with mud, rocks, and debris.
The flooding also impacted the dealership itself, causing damage. Although the dealership announced on Facebook its plans to reopen on Monday, they did not respond to requests for further comment.
Additionally, Route 46 Chrysler Jeep Dodge wasn’t alone in suffering losses; the surrounding strip malls saw their parking lots filled with water as well, submerging numerous customers’ cars. In these trying times, the dealership may gain some relief from insurance payouts.
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