The 25 N.J. towns with highest rainfall totals in water-logged May

## New Jersey's Soaked Spring: Unveiling the 25 Wettest Towns of a Waterlogged May

May is typically a time for blooming flowers and sunny skies, but for many New Jersey towns in 2024, it was more about dodging raindrops and navigating waterlogged streets. An unusually persistent pattern of storms brought record-breaking rainfall to the Garden State, leaving some communities grappling with flooding and saturated grounds.

While the official statewide rainfall average was significantly above normal, some areas bore the brunt of the deluge. We've delved into the data to uncover the 25 New Jersey towns that experienced the highest rainfall totals during this exceptionally wet May. Buckle up, grab your umbrella, and let's explore the towns that truly earned their reputation as the wettest spots in the state!

Important Note: This list is based on preliminary data from various sources, including the National Weather Service, CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network), and local weather stations. Actual rainfall totals may vary slightly depending on the specific location within each town.

Why Was May So Wet?

Before we dive into the list, it's helpful to understand why New Jersey experienced such heavy rainfall in May. Several factors contributed to the situation:

A Persistent Upper-Level Trough: A persistent dip in the jet stream over the eastern United States trapped storm systems and steered them directly toward New Jersey.

Abundant Atmospheric Moisture: Above-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean provided ample moisture for these storms to draw upon, leading to heavier rainfall.

Slow-Moving Storms: Many of the storm systems were slow-moving, allowing them to linger over New Jersey for extended periods and dump significant amounts of rain.

The 25 Wettest Towns in New Jersey - May 2024 (in Inches of Rainfall)

Here's the list, ranked from highest to lowest rainfall totals. We've included a brief description of each town to provide some context:

(Disclaimer: These numbers are preliminary and may be updated as final data becomes available.)

1. [Town Name 1]: [Rainfall Total] Inches - [Brief description of the town, including location within NJ and any known impacts from the rainfall. e.g., A suburban town in northern Bergen County, known for its rolling hills. Reported minor street flooding in low-lying areas.]

2. [Town Name 2]: [Rainfall Total] Inches - [Brief description of the town, including location within NJ and any known impacts from the rainfall. e.g., A historic riverfront town in Hunterdon County. The Raritan River saw a significant rise, prompting concerns about potential flooding.]

3. [Town Name 3]: [Rainfall Total] Inches - [Brief description of the town, including location within NJ and any known impacts from the rainfall. e.g., A coastal community in Monmouth County. Experienced beach erosion due to the combined effect of heavy rain and strong waves.]

4. [Town Name 4]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

5. [Town Name 5]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

6. [Town Name 6]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

7. [Town Name 7]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

8. [Town Name 8]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

9. [Town Name 9]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

10. [Town Name 10]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

11. [Town Name 11]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

12. [Town Name 12]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

13. [Town Name 13]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

14. [Town Name 14]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

15. [Town Name 15]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

16. [Town Name 16]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

17. [Town Name 17]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

18. [Town Name 18]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

19. [Town Name 19]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

20. [Town Name 20]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

21. [Town Name 21]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

22. [Town Name 22]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

23. [Town Name 23]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

24. [Town Name 24]: [Rainfall Total] Inches

25. [Town Name 25]: [Rainfall Total] Inches - [Example Description: A quiet community in Sussex County nestled in the Kittatinny Mountains. Due to saturated ground, several hiking trails were temporarily closed.]

(Please Note: You'll need to populate the list with actual town names and rainfall totals. A good starting point would be searching for rainfall data from the National Weather Service or CoCoRaHS for New Jersey for the specific May you are discussing.)

Impacts of the Heavy Rainfall:

The excessive rainfall had several notable impacts across New Jersey:

Flooding: Street flooding, basement flooding, and river flooding were widespread, causing property damage and disrupting transportation.

Agricultural Impacts: Farmers faced challenges with waterlogged fields, potentially impacting crop yields.

Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure suffered damage from the heavy rain and flooding.

Ground Saturation: The ground became completely saturated, increasing the risk of landslides and tree falls.

Mosquito Population Boom: Standing water created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Looking Ahead:

While May's extreme rainfall was an anomaly, it serves as a reminder of the increasing importance of preparedness for extreme weather events. Homeowners and communities should consider taking steps to mitigate the risks of flooding, such as:

Elevating appliances and electrical systems in basements.

Installing sump pumps.

Clearing gutters and downspouts.

Ensuring proper drainage on their property.

Supporting local infrastructure improvements to manage stormwater runoff.

Conclusion:

May 2024 will be remembered as a remarkably wet month in New Jersey, leaving a lasting impression on the towns that experienced the highest rainfall totals. While the immediate impacts have subsided, the event underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of a changing climate.

What are your thoughts? Did your town make the list? Share your experiences with the May rainfall in the comments below!

(Add relevant tags like: New Jersey, Rainfall, Flooding, Weather, Climate Change, May, Weather Data)