Heavy rain on Sunday, September 13, 2026, produced flash floods that inundated several streets in Paterson, New Jersey, leaving more than 50 vehicles damaged. The sudden surge of water covered roadways, trapping cars in standing water and causing extensive damage to the vehicles.
The Tesla dealership in Totowa reported the incident after receiving multiple calls from customers whose cars were affected. According to the dealership, the flooded streets forced drivers to abandon their vehicles as water rose quickly, submerging the cars and leaving them unusable. The dealership’s staff documented the damage and coordinated with local authorities to ensure the safety of motorists.
The Paterson flooding was part of a broader pattern of intense storms that swept across the New York City region and North Jersey on Sunday. The same system generated heavy rainfall that prompted street closures in several municipalities and triggered rescue operations by emergency services. In some areas, water levels rose fast enough to require the deployment of rescue crews to assist motorists and pedestrians stranded by the unexpected flooding.
City officials continued to monitor the situation throughout the afternoon, issuing warnings to drivers to avoid flooded routes and advising residents to remain vigilant as water receded. Cleanup crews began the process of removing debris and assessing infrastructure damage, while insurance representatives prepared to handle the surge in claims from vehicle owners. The flash floods underscore the rapid impact of severe weather events on urban streets and the need for ongoing preparedness in the region.