Newark Airport Resumes Flights Amid Delays After Terminal Floods, Tower Evacuated

(Editor’s note: This story was updated Thursday morning with new information.)

Flights resumed Thursday morning after they were halted at Newark Liberty International Airport late Wednesday after portions of the airport flooded and the air traffic control tower was temporarily evacuated as remnants of Tropical Storm Ida battered the region.

“We’re experiencing severe flooding due to tonight’s storm. All flight activity is currently suspended & travelers are strongly advised to contact their airline for the latest flight & service resumption information. Passengers are being diverted from ground-level flooded areas,” a statement posted the Newark Liberty Airport’s Twitter account said Wednesday night.

Departures to Newark International were grounded, the Federal Aviation Administration website showed as of around 11 p.m. Wednesday. Videos posted to social media showed flooding in baggage areas and the lower levels of Terminal B. Widespread flash flooding also closed parking lots and roads around the airport.

By Thursday morning, operations had resumed, but there were still widespread delays and cancellations. Carriers were urging travelers to check their flight status.

Flight tracking services were showing widespread delays Thursday on departures.

On Wednesday night, the air traffic control tower was evacuated earlier because of a tornado warning, according to the FAA. Controllers returned to the tower around 10 p.m., but flights bound for Newark, La Guardia Airport and JFK International Airport were being held.

Torrential rain hit the area late Wednesday, and the Newark airport saw 3.24 inches of rain between 8 and 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Elsewhere in the state authorities responded to multiple water rescues and major destruction from at least one tornado in South Jersey.

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Noah Cohen may be reached at [email protected].

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