Good morning, South Jersey. I’m sorry to share that thunderstorms could return today.
Speaking of frequent rainfall, an Inquirer analysis has found that our region has been much more flood-prone than usual, and it’s pushed us into becoming a national hot spot for warnings.
And a veteran teacher and her new kindergarten class navigated the first day of school with mostly smiles and some nerves in Cinnaminson.
Plus, nearly 20 people were evaluated after exposure to irritating fumes at a Walmart in Deptford, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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While constantly trying to dodge the thunderstorms, you may have perceived a higher frequency of flash flood warnings throughout the summer. (This is probably accompanied with getting startled by the blaring urgent warnings on your phone.)
The data backs up the hunch.
With only four months left in the year, an Inquirer analysis found that the region has already nearly tripled the annual average for flood warnings.
Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington Counties are all within the top 25 of more than 2,200 counties that have recorded at least one flash flood warning this year.
The city of Camden is particularly flood prone on Admiral Wilson Boulevard, as well as Cooper and Third Streets.
But why the frequency? Locally, we’ve had some unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in June that could have enhanced the rainfall, but there are more factors.
The Inquirer’s Stephen Stirling and Anthony R. Wood have the data and more insight.
⛈️ In related news: The residents of Mantua Township are reeling from the damage from Tuesday evening’s storms. It resulted in a difficult Wednesday morning with downed trees and wires, power outages, and closed roads and schools.
On the first day of school at New Albany Elementary in Cinnaminson, veteran teacher Maureen Coller welcomed her new full-day kindergarten class.
Although most were excited, some needed a bit more reassurance. Throughout the day, Coller put them at ease through complimenting their outfits or showing them the three class rabbits, all named after NBA players.
This is nothing new for Coller, who is in her 26th year as an educator. She was recently inducted into the district’s Educator Hall of Fame.
“Kindergarten is where I really belong. You get something different every day,” she said. “I love their energy and I love creating a clean slate.”
New Jersey has encouraged every public school in the state to offer free, full-day kindergarten. Kindergarten is not mandatory in New Jersey.
What to know today
Nearly 20 people went to the hospital for evaluation after exposure to irritating fumes inside a Deptford Township Walmart, local authorities said.
An off-duty Camden County police officer struck and killed a Camden pedestrian with a vehicle early Tuesday morning. The crash is under investigation and ongoing.
A former custodian of Waterford Elementary School admitted to placing a phone that was recording in a faculty bathroom, 6abc reports.
Camden’s state-appointed superintendent, Alfonso Q. Llano Jr., begins his first full academic year Thursday after six months on the job, WHYY reports.
Moorestown released a brief explainer for residents on why property taxes increased and what the funding is intended to support.
A new eatery, Il Viaggio 1935, is opening in Pitman in September and will offer Florentine-style Italian sandwiches. The family behind Sweet Crumbs is leading the new venture, according to 42 Freeway.
Hounds Town USA opened its latest location Wednesday in Cherry Hill. Hounds Town Cherry Hill-Woodcrest offers interactive doggy daycare, overnight boarding, and spa services.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
🍴 Al Fresco Affair Food Truck Festival: Start the holiday weekend a bit early with food trucks, live music from the School of Rock Cherry Hill, and a beer garden. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Croft Farm, Cherry Hill
🚗 Car Show & Food Truck Festival: Peruse a showcase of 300 antique, classic, and muscle cars. There will be food vendors, handcrafted goods, two beer gardens, and live music. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 4, 5-9 p.m. 📍 Glassboro Town Square
🎆 Labor Day End of Summer Celebration: Collingswood will host a marathon of events on Saturday including a pool party at Robert’s Pool, live music at Pocket Park, and a fireworks show that will be viewable from Knight Park or Collingswood High School. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 5, 1:30-8:30 p.m. 📍 Multiple locations, Collingswood
🧠 Trivia time
Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka honored which former Sixer with her walk-on outfit for her first-round match at the U.S. Open?
A) Charles Barkley
B) Allen Iverson
C) Julius Erving
D) Moses Malone
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
🍴 Craving: Eggplant terrine from LesbiVeggies in Camden.
🎧 Listening to: The start of the new season of the New Heights podcast, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce.
🏒 Anticipating: The Flyers coming to Voorhees in a little more than two weeks for the start of training camp.
Have a great day. See you tomorrow!
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