Parts of New Brunswick were evacuated on Thursday as the Raritan River overflowed and forced people from their homes.

The river expanded because of the massive influx of rainwater produced by Ida. The river crossed over Route 18, prompting the entire length of the highway in New Brunswick to be shut down.

Many homes also took on water.

“Thankfully we were able to get some things out, but it was scary because the water keeps rising,” says one New Brunswick resident. “We don’t know when we will be able to come back."

A family who lives in the Riverside Drive Apartments tells News 12 New Jersey that the streets near their building were perfectly clear at 6 a.m., but the river quickly flooded and forced them to leave.

Other areas that were badly flooded include Boyd Park and the Rutgers University boathouse. A Rutgers football came scheduled for Thursday evening was canceled.

Resident Steven Macy says that he has lived near the river for 27 years.

“I’ve seen two of these [major floods] before. This one’s outdoing the other two, I’ll say that much,” he says.

Macy says that he moved his car to higher grounds ahead of the flood.

It was unclear when people may be able to return to their homes. Many have packed enough belongings for an extended stay with friends or family.