Water Damage Restoration in Newark, NJ
Newark by the numbers: 186 flood report days from 2016 to 2025, 83 freezing nights a year, 7 federal disaster declarations since 2016. Below: first steps, the records, New Jersey insurance help and costs.
Updated October 31, 2026
First Steps for Water in a Home in Newark
- Storm flooding: wait until the water stops rising and officials allow re-entry; wear boots and gloves (flooding steps).
- Stay clear of wet outlets and cords.
- Photograph the damage, then call your insurer.
Newark Flood Record
NOAA has 972 flood and flash flood reports for the 12 New Jersey counties of the Newark metro area from 2016 to 2025, on 186 separate days; July had the most.
At the Harrison gauge, June is the wettest month with 4.9 inches on average.
Hurricanes, tropical storms or storm surge added 2 report days.
| Month | Flood report days | Normal precipitation (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 3.7 |
| February | 8 | 3.3 |
| March | 7 | 4.3 |
| April | 10 | 4.1 |
| May | 12 | 4.4 |
| June | 12 | 4.9 |
| July | 52 | 4.8 |
| August | 28 | 4.4 |
| September | 20 | 4.3 |
| October | 14 | 4.2 |
| November | 7 | 3.7 |
| December | 7 | 4.6 |
| County | Flood report days | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Monmouth County | 65 | 137 |
| Middlesex County | 62 | 118 |
| Ocean County | 58 | 113 |
| Bergen County | 48 | 162 |
| Somerset County | 36 | 60 |
| Hudson County | 32 | 67 |
| Passaic County | 29 | 73 |
| Union County | 29 | 79 |
| Morris County | 28 | 39 |
| Essex County | 26 | 76 |
Freezing Nights in Newark
Newark averages 83 nights a year at or below 32°F (Harrison station). About 21 of them drop to 20°F or colder. NOAA counted 48 winter storm, ice or extreme cold days in the 12 New Jersey counties of the Newark metro area from 2016 to 2025.
Unheated crawl spaces, attics and garages freeze first (Red Cross); keep the heat at 55°F or more (IBHS).
Storms and Disasters in Newark
The 12 New Jersey counties of the Newark metro area were named in 7 federal weather or fire declarations since 2016 (OpenFEMA).
Notable NOAA storm reports
- April 1, 2023: Tornado, EF2 (Monmouth County)A tornado formed along an eastward moving rotating supercell within a line of thunderstorms and made an initial touchdown on the north side of Palomino Drive.
- September 1, 2021: Flash flood (Somerset County)Widespread flash flooding occurred in the southern half of Somerset County with numerous road closures. There were two flood related fatalities in southern Somerset County, both in Hillsborough Township.
- July 8, 2021: Hail, 2.5 inch hail (Bergen County)Hail of 2.5 inches in diameter was reported.
- August 4, 2020: Tropical storm (Bergen County)In Little Ferry, Bergen County, NJ one person and a dog were injured when struck by a falling tree around 1212pm LST.
- November 1, 2019: Thunderstorm wind, 98 mph gust (Monmouth County)A National Weather Service survey team determined that straight line winds of approximately 100 miles per hour caused damage in Wall Township near the Monmouth Jet Center airfield.
Federal disaster declarations
- April 24, 2025: Jones Road FireFire, FEMA FM-5581
- September 5, 2021: Remnants Of Hurricane IdaHurricane, FEMA DR-4614
- September 2, 2021: Remnants Of Hurricane IdaHurricane, FEMA EM-3573
- April 28, 2021: Severe Winter Storm And SnowstormSnowstorm, FEMA DR-4597
- December 11, 2020: Tropical Storm IsaiasHurricane, FEMA DR-4574
- June 8, 2018: Severe Winter Storm And SnowstormSevere Storm, FEMA DR-4368
Newark Housing at a Glance
Census figures for the city of Newark (American Community Survey, 2020 to 2024): 121,546 housing units, a median build year of 1966, 66% built before 1980, 55% before 1970, 24% owner occupied.
New Jersey Insurance Help for Water Claims
Claim problems in New Jersey go to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.
Flood damage needs a separate flood policy, which typically starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart). Look up Newark flood zones on FEMA's flood maps.
Restoration Cost Guide for Newark
| Typical range (national) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Most jobs | $1,305 to $5,707 |
| Sewage, per sq ft | $7 to $7.50 |
| Average insurer payout, water or freeze claim | $15,400 |
Sources: Bob Vila, May 2023; III, 2019 to 2023.
Areas Served Around Newark
The same 24/7 line covers the Newark metro area, including:
- Newark
- Jersey City
- Paterson
- Elizabeth
- Clifton
- Bayonne
- East Orange
- Passaic
- Union City
- Hoboken
- New Brunswick
- Perth Amboy
Questions
When is the first freeze in Newark?
The median first night at or below 32°F is November 6 and the median last is April 4 at the Harrison station (NOAA normals, 1991 to 2020).
How fast does mold start?
Dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA).
Sources: NOAA Storm Events, NOAA normals, OpenFEMA, Census ACS, EPA mold guide.