Montclair Flooding Exposes Chronic Burnside Street Issues: What Homebuyers Should Know

Heavy thunderstorms swept through Montclair on July 28, 2026, flooding streets across town and leaving at least two Upper Montclair businesses temporarily closed. On Burnside Street, storm runoff was so severe that a vehicle became partially submerged in floodwater. Hundreds of residents lost power as the storm moved through. The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for northeastern New Jersey in effect from Tuesday morning into Wednesday evening, but the rainfall still overwhelmed drainage systems in several low-lying areas.

---

Burnside Street: A known trouble spot

Burnside Street has a long history of flooding during heavy rain events. The street sits within a floodplain associated with the Second River and Toney's Brook, and longtime residents describe it as acting "like a bathtub" during storms, with water pushing up to doorsteps. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been exploring possible flood mitigation assistance for the area, but a permanent solution remains years away. In the meantime, each heavy storm brings renewed anxiety for residents and business owners on the street.

---

What this means for homebuyers

Flood risk is one of those things that doesn't always come up in a standard home search, but it absolutely should. If you're looking at properties in Montclair, especially near Toney's Brook, the Second River corridor, or other low-lying areas, here is what I recommend: check FEMA flood zone maps for any property you are seriously considering, talk to neighbors about whether the street has flooded before, and factor in flood insurance costs if you are buying in a designated flood zone.

That said, flooding on Burnside Street does not define Montclair as a whole. Most neighborhoods in town are not in flood-prone areas. The key is knowing which blocks have drainage challenges and asking the right questions before you make an offer. I always walk my buyers through these considerations so there are no surprises after closing.

---

The bigger picture: Infrastructure and climate readiness

This July storm is part of a broader pattern across Essex County and North Jersey: heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense, and aging stormwater infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. The township is aware of the problem. Montclair has been working on drainage improvements, and the Army Corps engagement on Burnside Street is a positive sign. But infrastructure projects at this scale take time, and residents should expect these issues to persist in the short term.

For homeowners considering upgrades, this is also a reminder to check your sump pump, make sure your grading directs water away from your foundation, and consider whether you have the right insurance coverage. A few proactive steps can make a big difference when the next storm rolls through.

---

The bottom line

Flooding on Burnside Street and in parts of Upper Montclair is not new, but the July 28 storm was a stark reminder that it remains unresolved. For buyers, this is simply another factor to weigh when choosing a neighborhood, one that requires honest conversations and good information rather than fear. If you are looking at homes in Montclair and want to talk through flood risk, neighborhood drainage, or what to ask before making an offer, I am happy to walk through it with you. No pressure, just the facts.