Police search and rescue vehicles are traversing the floodwaters in Union Beach, New Jersey caused by the major winter storm on the east coast of the United States.
Police Chief Michael J. Woodrow said the vehicles have been used overnight with his fire and emergency services partners to conduct more than a dozen water rescues since heavy rains and flooding began to affect the region.
No injuries were reported in any of the rescues and no one has required first aid or hospital care, Woodrow said.
“Fortunately, our highly trained agents can reach areas traditionally inaccessible with these vehicles, especially when time is of the essence. Our playbook was created from the lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy, as well as other weather events, ”Woodrow said.
Woodrow added that the city has received “countless” calls for service and several vehicles have been submerged in the water.
The police chief said his officers are “more than prepared to deal with each and every emergency,” given the city’s past experience with severe weather.