Severe summer storms brought significant flash flooding to Glassboro, New Jersey, causing widespread damage to off-campus student housing.
The National Weather Service reported that the southwestern New Jersey region received between 4 and 6 inches of rainfall during the severe weather event.
At one off-campus residence, Rowan University students preparing to move in for the fall semester witnessed several feet of floodwater build up outside their glass basement doors.
The students attempted to block the rising water using towels and makeshift barriers made of laundry at the base of the French doors.
However, the extreme pressure caused the glass doors to suddenly shatter, sending a door panel flying across the room as torrents of water rushed inside.
The incoming floodwaters quickly inundated the lower level of the home and submerged furniture, beds and rugs.
Describing the severe destruction to their home on GoFundMe, student Tommy Scirrotto stated, “The storms in Glassboro, Nj claimed the entirety of the lower level at our home.”
He added that the flooding resulted in “a huge amount of damage” to the four bedrooms on the lower level of the residence.
Rowan University administrators warned of flash-flooding conditions across the region and noted that water had also infiltrated several campus buildings.
University officials urged the campus community to exercise caution and stay safe during the severe weather.