Rainfall hinders commute and Irene clean-up

With the power back on for all New Jersey residents, the recovery and clean-up from Hurricane Irene has begun.

More than 15,000 New Jersey residents have already filed claims with the Federal Emergency Management Agency seeking help paying for damage.

Gov. Chris Christie says $3 million in aid has been disbursed so far, and that on average, inspections are happening within three days. He’s encouraging people whose homes were damaged to file for help even if they have flood insurance or are unsure they’re eligible.

But Mother Nature just won’t quit.

Remnants from Tropical Storm Lee are posing flood threats in New Jersey–The National Weather Service says Phillipsburg, Andover, Washington Township in Morris County and Lebanon have received more than 5 inches of rain within a 12-hour period.

Flood warnings are posted along parts of the Passaic, Raritan, Rockaway, Pequannock, Millstone, Ramapo and Wanaque rivers.

Major flooding is forecast for the Passaic River at Little Falls. Forecasters predict moderate flooding for the Millstone River at Blackwells Mills, the Raritan River at Manville and Bound Brook, and the Wanaque River at Wanaque Dam.

Pennsylvania isn’t being spared either: The rising waters of a rain-swollen creek have forced the evacuation of residents in Wilkes-Barre.

Officials ordered the mandatory evacuation of about 3,000 residents early this morning because of flooding on the Solomon Creek. The Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at a nearby high school.

Flood warnings are also in effect in much of the rest of the state–for those in Philadelphia, Kelly Drive is flooded out, and the Philadelphia Inquirer reports there are also problems on Main Street in Manayunk and Ridge Avenue. 

A Flood Warning is in effect for the Schuylkill, too, which should crest at 2 p.m. today.

Septa is experiencing some delays as well. Oh, and don’t forget an umbrella.