Last week’s severe rainstorm in Jersey City brought heavy flooding that left local businesses scrambling. The well-known craft beer hub, Departed Soles Brewing, got hit especially hard.
Owner Brian Kulbacki described how rising waters surged into the brewery’s basement during active operations. They had to stop production on the spot.
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It was a disruption that really highlighted the growing risk extreme weather brings to small businesses around here. Nobody likes getting caught off guard, but that’s exactly what happened.
Sudden Storms and Rising Waters
Kulbacki said the flooding came on fast and hit even harder. At first, it was just steady rain, but it quickly turned into a deluge that overwhelmed local drainage systems.
Within minutes, the water level shot up. There wasn’t much time to move or protect any brewing equipment.
The Brewing Business Under Siege
Departed Soles Brewing has dealt with storms before, but Kulbacki admitted this flood was on another level. Staff dropped everything mid-process and just focused on managing the surge.
He spoke honestly about the emotional toll and the financial worries that come with something like this. Running a small business is tough enough without water pouring in.
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Infrastructure Challenges in Urban Areas
Events like this make it clear that Jersey City’s infrastructure isn’t always ready for today’s intense storms. Older buildings and drainage can get overwhelmed fast.
Without proper prep, the costs pile up. For small businesses, even a few hours of downtime can lead to big losses.
Community Resilience Shines Through
Still, Kulbacki felt genuinely grateful for the brewery’s loyal customers and neighbors. In Jersey City, people show up when things get rough.
Folks offered help and shared words of encouragement online, which really says a lot about why entrepreneurs stick around here.
Small Businesses and Extreme Weather Preparedness
Extreme weather isn’t rare anymore. With storms getting more frequent—and honestly, more intense—small business owners need to stay ready.
That could mean installing flood barriers, having emergency pumps handy, or double-checking insurance for weather damage.
Steps Businesses Can Take
If you run a business in a storm-prone spot, here are a few things to think about:
- Evaluate infrastructure vulnerabilities – Find the weak spots in your building, especially basements and storage rooms.
- Create a rapid response plan – Give team members clear tasks for protecting equipment or getting out fast.
- Engage with local authorities – Stay in touch with city officials about drainage, road closures, and emergency help.
Jersey City as a Business and Travel Destination
This flood was a setback, sure, but Jersey City still buzzes with life for residents and visitors alike. The craft beer scene, lively markets, and cultural landmarks keep people coming.
If you’re planning a trip, figuring out where to stay in Jersey City can make your visit smoother. From boutique accommodations to luxury Jersey City hotels, there’s something for everyone.
Exploring the City Beyond the Storm
Jersey City always has something going on. Take a stroll along the waterfront—it’s pretty hard not to enjoy those views.
If you’re into art, check out the local galleries. Foodies can dive into everything from classic diners to those quirky little spots you only hear about from locals.
Nightlife? Yeah, there are plenty of bars and music venues scattered around the different city districts. Getting here isn’t a headache either.
PATH trains, ferries, and buses all run regularly, so hopping over from New York City or nearby towns feels almost too easy.
Departed Soles Brewing took a hit from the recent flood, which threw a wrench in their plans for a bit. Still, you can’t help but notice how folks here just roll up their sleeves and keep moving.
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Here is the source article for this story: Northeast downpour swamps Jersey City craft brewery’s basement | Latest Weather Clips
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