Rivers retreating in North Jersey

PATERSON, N.J. - Rain-swollen waterways in North Jersey were slowly receding Sunday after cresting overnight, causing fewer evacuations than expected but still flooding roads.

Despite clear skies in the forecast, officials said flooding would remain a concern for at least the next few days, and it was unclear when all affected residents would be able to return home.

The Passaic River crested at 9 p.m. Saturday - earlier than expected - and has been receding since.

Kristin Kline, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, said Sunday the river crested at four feet above flood stage in Little Falls, and at three feet over flood stage in Pine Brook. The flooding wasn't as severe as predicted, she said, but was still considered major.

Officials had expected the flooding to force the evacuation of hundreds of people from Paterson, Little Falls, and other areas by early Sunday. But many residents apparently heeded warnings and left before the flooding began, finding temporary shelter with friends and family.

Fewer than 100 people were staying in two shelters set up in Paterson, and roughly a dozen people stayed overnight at a shelter in Little Falls. The sites will remain open as long as needed, officials said.