By Anne Levin

The remnants of Hurricane Ida have caused major problems in the Princeton area, including flooding and downed trees. As of Thursday afternoon, September 2, most of the main roads into town remained closed, and people were being advised to stay home. Those who do venture out can expect significant delays.

Among the roads closed as of Thursday afternoon were Quaker Road, Alexander Road, Rosedale Road, Harrison Street, and Stockton Street. Washington Road was closed for several hours, but reopened Thursday around 10 a.m. Kingston was hit especially hard, with flooding on Mapleton Road and elsewhere.

Local streams and rivers have overflowed. The Delaware River is expected to crest Thursday night. The Millstone River is continuing to rise, and Canal Road in Rocky Hill and Franklin Township were still flooding as of Thursday afternoon.

There are numerous photos on social media showing cars abandoned or submerged, in towns including Hopewell, Pennington, and Lambertville. The Princeton Police Department, Fire Department, and the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad were involved in several water rescues.

Trenton’s Island neighborhood, which borders the Delaware River, was scheduled to be evacuated by 8 a.m. Thursday.

Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on Wednesday night. While more than 5,000 households in the local area were without power Wednesday night, most was restored by Thursday morning.

Police are urging people to avoid the roadways, and to turn around instead of driving through flooded streets.