Neighbors help each other with NJ flood cleanup

Days after heavy flooding in New Jersey, residents are still in disbelief over the damage to their community.

In Little Falls, 95 percent of the area has now been surveyed. The weekend's flooding affected 100 homes. In town Tuesday, belongings remain curbside, drying outside in the sun. But residents cleaning up are wearing the reminder of the storm damage inside.

Elsewhere in New Jersey, northern Brick was one of the hardest hit areas. A staggering 7.83 inches of rain was registered in just over seven hours on Monday, leading to the evacuation of more than 100 homes in the Greenbriar 1 Community as the neighborhood streets looked more like rivers.

The cleanup began Tuesday as volunteers helped devastated neighbors pick up the pieces and remove a lifetime worth of personal belongings and treasures.

In wake of this widespread damage, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties. The executive order will allow state resources to deploy to communities ravaged by the devastating flooding.

As the cleanup continues with the threat of more potential storms possibly worsening conditions, drivers are being urged to exercise caution. It is hard to know exactly how deep the water is so the motto is straight to the point: when flooded, turn around, don't drown. And of course, never drive around barricades.