Video shows the frightening moment several feet of floodwater slammed through the glass doors of an off-campus student house, ripping a door panel loose and sending it skidding across the room as muddy water surged in and swallowed the lower level.
The flooding unfolded on Aug. 27, after powerful storms triggered severe flash flooding in Glassboro, New Jersey, just as Rowan University students were getting ready to move into their housing before the September start of classes.
Resident Tommy Scirrotto said the flood caused widespread damage to four bedrooms on the home’s lower level, according to a GoFundMe post created after the storm.
“The storms in Glassboro, Nj claimed the entirety of the lower level at our home. 4 bedrooms completely flooded, resulting in a huge amount of damage,” Scirrotto said.
The Aug. 27 flash flooding damaged four bedrooms and left furniture, beds and rugs submerged inside the lower level. (James DiDomenico via Storyful)
At the start of the video, about an inch of water had already seeped into the lower level.
As a student approached the doors, several feet of floodwater could be seen building up on the other side, appearing on the verge of breaking through. Towels had also been placed along the base of the French doors in an attempt to keep the water out.
Just as the student said, “This door is gonna break,” one of the doors immediately gave way and was sent flying across the room.
The flooding happened as Rowan students prepared to move into the Glassboro residence ahead of the fall semester. (James DiDomenico via Storyful)
In the chaotic moment, water rushed inside, eventually overtaking multiple makeshift barriers made of laundry that appeared to have been used to slow the initial flow of water.
Photos posted on GoFundMe showed furniture, beds and rugs completely submerged in floodwater.
A resident said the storms caused extensive damage as floodwaters overtook the lower level of the off-campus home. (James DiDomenico via Storyful)
On the same day, Rowan University issued a warning about severe flash-flooding conditions across the region, adding that water had also “infiltrated” the Glassboro campus.
“Several campus buildings have also taken on water,” the university said.
“Please exercise caution and stay safe during this severe weather.”
According to the National Weather Service, the wider southwestern New Jersey region received between 4 and 6 inches of rain.