On August 27, an off-campus student residence in Glassboro, New Jersey, experienced a dramatic influx of floodwaters during severe flash flooding. A video recorded the intense moment when several feet of water forcefully breached the home's glass doors, sending a panel flying and inundating the lower level. This event occurred as Rowan University students were preparing to occupy their housing ahead of the new academic year.
Tommy Scirrotto, one of the residents, later detailed the widespread damage in a GoFundMe post. He explained that the storms had "claimed the entirety of the lower level at our home," resulting in "4 bedrooms completely flooded" and "a huge amount of damage." The footage began with approximately an inch of water already seeping into the lower floor.
As a student approached the doors, a significant volume of floodwater could be seen accumulating on the exterior, appearing poised to break through. Towels had been positioned along the base of the French doors in a futile attempt to repel the incoming water. Just as the student remarked, "This door is gonna break," one of the panels immediately shattered and was propelled across the room.
In the ensuing chaos, water surged inward, quickly overwhelming makeshift barriers fashioned from laundry items, which had seemingly been arranged to slow the initial rush. Images shared on the GoFundMe page depicted furniture, beds, and rugs entirely submerged by the floodwaters.
Widespread Flooding Affects Region and Campus
On the same day as the student housing incident, Rowan University issued a cautionary statement concerning the severe flash-flooding conditions affecting the broader region. The university also confirmed that water had "infiltrated" its Glassboro campus, noting that "Several campus buildings have also taken on water." The institution urged its community members to "Please exercise caution and stay safe during this severe weather." The National Weather Service reported that the wider southwestern New Jersey area experienced substantial rainfall, with accumulations ranging between 4 and 6 inches.
