Gov. Healey declares state of emergency in Mass. resulting from ‘catastrophic’ flooding

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency Tuesday night time after thunderstorms and heavy rainfall brought on “catastrophic” flash flooding in Worcester and Bristol Counties on Monday.

“Upwards of 10 inches of rain fell in Worcester and Bristol Counties, inflicting widespread flooding, downed bushes, energy outages and injury to properties, companies, and infrastructure, together with bridges, dams and prepare tracks,” Healey’s workplace wrote in a press launch.

Leominster was significantly arduous hit by the flooding Monday night time, which the Nationwide Climate Service referred to as “life-threatening.” Mayor Dean Mazzarella declared a state of emergency, and metropolis colleges closed the subsequent day.

Images and video from Leominster Monday night time confirmed submerged automobiles in roads and parking heaps, flooded backyards, and folks being rescued from their automobiles. Not less than two sinkholes opened up through the storm, in keeping with WCVB.

North Attleboro additionally skilled extreme flooding on Monday. In keeping with a press launch, many roads within the city had been flooded, and firefighters rescued a number of individuals from their automobiles. City officers issued a catastrophe declaration, and North Attleboro Center College was opened as a shelter.

Healey stated Tuesday night time that six state companies, together with police and firefighters, have been activated to help communities ravaged by the flooding. The emergency declaration offers the governor expanded powers to help and coordinate the state’s response to the emergency state of affairs.

“As we speak I noticed firsthand the devastating impacts of extreme flooding in Leominster and North Attleboro,” she stated within the launch. “…We’re grateful for the general public officers who’ve been going above and past to reply to this emergency, and our hearts are with the individuals of Massachusetts who’re confronting catastrophic injury to their properties, companies, and communities.” 

With extra rain predicted for Wednesday, individuals in components of Leominster have been suggested to evacuate resulting from considerations in regards to the Barrett Pond Dam. Sources can be found to metropolis residents affected by the flooding.

Throughout equally heavy rainfall on Aug. 8, many municipalities throughout Massachusetts suffered intensive flooding injury. North Andover was amongst these most affected, with the city reporting almost $30 million in damages.