Browns Mills, NJ Flood - July 12, 2004

Browns Mills NJ Flood
July 12-13,2004

On July 12, 2004 a slow moving cold front stalled over Burlington County, NJ. During a 12 hour period, Browns Mills received 8.6 inches of rain. From 8:00 PM until 9:30 PM almost 4 inches was recorded. My parents live on Little Pine Lake. The water came up fast. They were very lucky to have received relatively little water damage. Other homes within 20 miles were destroyed after receiving 13 inches of rain and being on the path of a Rancocas Creek that was swollen by 5 dams that were breached. Here are some pictures starting with some night photos:

This is 02:10 AM. The police just left after issuing an evacuation suggestion.

The welcome mat is disappearing.

Talking to their neighbor, Bernard, at 2 AM

The second visit of the evening by the authorities encouraging us to leave and go to a shelter. Dad and Mom said "No Way!. They have lived there for 54 years and haven't left yet.

Dad's shorts are courtesy of Photoshop.

The green house

It is now 04:15. We have moved precious items to higher places in the house. The water is almost to the living room carpet (pink on the left)

Now 4:14 AM

Now 6:10 AM (we didn't get much sleep. The geese have arrived to play in the front yard. The lake is supposed to be out past the flagpole.

The welcome mat is still out.

The view from the back door. Water is not supposed to be there.

Bayberry Dam. The dam held, but water was flowing about 8 inches deep across the road at 04:15 AM.

The police checking out the erosion under the sidewalk - but the new dam held.

Fishing out the newspaper. The Burlington County Times did deliver the paper on time - and did leave an extra copy when the first one went into the water.

Dad surveys the damage at the Bayberry Dam.

It was a long night. Nice to just a bit damp, and safe.

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