Sad days in Jersey

One side affect to massive amounts of rain (we're at about 8" at the moment)--all the water flows into the Raritan and floods the city. All of Rt 18 between campus and my home was flooded. Not a little. Completely under water. The bridge over the river into Highland Park (don't be fooled by the name--it wasn't high land enough to be spared) was closed. I was temporarily trapped on the wrong side of the river last night. I ended up going several miles in the opposite direction to get to the only bridge we knew was still open...Rt. 1 North...in hopes of approaching Highland Park from the north. Only to find that the main street was blocked at that end too. A seven minute drive....45 minutes later...

These shots are literally 3 blocks from my office...

I used to catch a bus into Manhattan at that intersection.


The water has receded substantially since last night--you can actually see the pavement, though the road is still closed. Traffic continues to be detoured. People confused about where they're going cut you off on wet streets when they realize they aren't in the turn lane...fun.

Rutgers has cancelled another day of classes, but low and behold, the rain and flooding cannot keep Mason Gross students down. A major leak in one of the theatres may have cancelled one of the dress rehearsals, but the other show rehearsed as scheduled. MFA III actors arrived in the morning to prepare for showcase. Designers filed into the costume shop and drafting studio to finish work, update portfolios and gossip. Life continues.