Westfield officials describe large overnight storm, rescue operations and limited infrastructure damage

Acting Mayor said Westfield experienced an intense overnight storm that dumped roughly 6.34 inches of rain, most of it within a three-hour span, and prompted widespread emergency response and a temporary shelter at Town Hall. Council members described multiple water rescues and ongoing cleanup efforts.

The acting mayor said the United States Geological Survey data showed about 6.34 inches of rain fell in town, roughly 135% of the 30‑year regional July average of 4.72 inches. During the heaviest rainfall, 3.87 inches fell in 45 minutes between about 5:15 and 6:00 a.m. The mayor noted that all streets and roads were open except Springfield Avenue between East Broad and Mill Lane, where a tree, utility poles, a street lamp and wires remain down and PSE&G crews are on scene.

Why it matters: Council members said the storm produced dangerous flooding conditions that required coordinated action by police, fire, public works and the volunteer rescue squad. Officials credited the town’s Rapid Storm Response Team — a multi‑disciplinary unit of police, fire and DPW personnel trained as water‑rescue technicians after Tropical Storm Ida in 2021 — with several vehicle rescues and with helping residents to safety.

According to council remarks, the police department fielded more than 300 storm‑related calls, including 34 for disabled or abandoned vehicles. The mayor reported the Rapid Storm Response Team used inflatable rescue boats to remove approximately 20 people from submerged vehicles; many of those were taken to a temporary shelter in the Town Hall community room. Three people at the shelter were treated immediately for exposure and one person sustained a knee injury. The rescue squad provided blankets, dry clothing and water, and arranged transportation home when roads were safe.

The Westfield Fire Department responded to about 40 storm‑related emergencies, including two confirmed residential fires that were extinguished with no reported injuries, plus reports of four additional residential structures that sustained lightning damage. The Department of Public Works assisted with clearing storm drains, mitigating water levels, and debris removal. Officials said a recent upgrade to sanitary‑sewer digital sensors alerted DPW to high pump levels near Trails End Court and enabled a timely response that prevented overflows to nearby homes.

Councilman Jim Saunders announced the town will open the conservation center one day early to provide services to residents affected by the storm; normal hours will apply. The acting mayor advised residents to call the town non‑emergency number at (908) 789‑4000 for storm‑related, non‑urgent requests and to call 911 for emergencies.

Discussion vs. action: Remarks at the meeting were reports and announcements; no new emergency ordinances or formal council actions related to the storm were taken during the session. The council thanked first responders and volunteers and described cleanup and recovery steps already under way.

Additional details: Officials said initial assessments indicate no major damage to public infrastructure. The acting mayor and council repeatedly credited coordinated response among the Westfield Police Department, Westfield Fire Department, Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad and Department of Public Works for limiting harm to residents and property.

The council did not take a formal vote on emergency measures at the meeting; they provided status updates and directed residents to the town’s contact numbers and the conservation center’s temporary opening.