LAKEWOOD, NJ — November 6, 2026 — Heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across parts of New Jersey on Friday morning, forcing the closure of a section of Route 9 in both directions in Lakewood and causing widespread traffic disruptions throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties.
The Lakewood Scoop reported the road closure Friday morning, sharing video footage of flooding along the busy highway and advising motorists to allow additional travel time.
Route 9 is one of Lakewood’s major transportation corridors, serving local commuters, businesses, and drivers traveling through Ocean County.
The closure comes as intense thunderstorms move across central and coastal New Jersey, bringing heavy rain and dangerous road conditions.
National Weather Service Issues Flash Flood Warning
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly issued a Flash Flood Warning at 6:59 a.m. Friday for northern Ocean County, southern Monmouth County, and northeastern Burlington County.
The warning was scheduled to remain in effect until 11 a.m.
According to the weather service, between one and two inches of rain had already fallen across the affected areas, with additional rainfall of one to two inches possible.
Thunderstorms were capable of producing rainfall rates between 1.5 and 2.5 inches per hour, increasing the risk of rapid flooding.
Communities included in the warning area were Lakewood, Jackson, Howell, Toms River, Long Branch, Asbury Park, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, and several surrounding municipalities.
Flooding Disrupts Major Highways
The flooding affected multiple major roadways beyond Lakewood.
According to New Jersey’s 511 traffic reporting system, flooding resulted in closures and lane restrictions on several highways Friday morning.
Route 35 experienced flooding-related closures in Belmar, Wall Township, and near Point Pleasant Beach.
Route 34 northbound was closed south of Allenwood Road in Wall Township, while flooding also affected a westbound Interstate 195 exit ramp connecting to Route 34.
Additional flooding restrictions were reported along Route 71 near Manasquan.
In Wall Township, officials also reported the closure of Allenwood-Lakewood Road near the Garden State Parkway bridge because of flooding.
The combination of highway closures and local road disruptions created difficult driving conditions across the region.
Drivers Urged to Avoid Flooded Roads
Emergency officials warned motorists not to attempt to drive through flooded streets or highway sections.
Even relatively shallow moving water can cause a vehicle to lose traction, stall, or become swept away.
The National Weather Service emphasized its longstanding flood safety message, urging motorists to turn around when encountering flooded roads.
Flooding can be especially dangerous near underpasses, low-lying intersections, streams, and areas with inadequate drainage.
Drivers traveling through Lakewood and neighboring communities are encouraged to use alternate routes, allow extra time, and check updated traffic conditions before departure.
Heavy Rain Creates Widespread Travel Problems
Friday’s flooding highlights the impact of intense rainfall on New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure.
Major roads can become impassable when stormwater accumulates faster than drainage systems can handle it.
The National Weather Service warned that flash flooding could affect highways, local streets, urban areas, small streams, and low-lying neighborhoods.
With several major roadways experiencing closures during the morning commute, residents and commuters across Ocean and Monmouth counties faced significant travel disruptions.
The duration of the Route 9 closure in Lakewood was not specified in the initial report.
Motorists can monitor the latest road conditions through New Jersey’s official traffic information service at 511NJ.org.
Sources: The Lakewood Scoop, National Weather Service Mount Holly, 511NJ, Wall Township Emergency Alerts.
By NJ RADAR Team