Lines of thunderstorms and downpours have caused yet another round of flooding and damage across New England this summer. The biggest threat coming into this storm was torrential rain bringing more flash flooding to the region.
The most intense of the rains fell in a line of constant storms that stretched from the Boston Metro area through Portland, Maine, up toward Skowhegan, Maine. Anywhere from 3-6 inches of rain fell across eastern Massachusetts, southeastern New Hampshire and western Maine. 6.24 inches was the highest total reported so far, coming out of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Flooded road in Needham, MA. Credit: RS_Nittany97
Numerous streets in these areas were swamped and forced to close. In North Andover, Massachusetts, a senior housing center was forced to evacuate 150 residents when the center became flooded. Several businesses sustained heavy damage during the flash floods. Multiple store fronts were seen being boarded up Tuesday afternoon.
Drivers became stranded in communities across eastern Massachusetts as flash floods intensified quickly. An SUV became fully submerged in Lawrence. Several other cars became trapped shortly after in the same area. Back in Andover, a car with three passengers became stranded on an off ramp of Interstate 93. The passengers were able to exit the car and "wade" to a median. Even a MassDOT truck became stuck in the floods.
North Andover flooding and damage. Credit: Martin (@MartyMcFLYS)
While severe weather wasn't the primary concern, some storms did become powerful across Massachusetts. Three tornado warnings were issued Tuesday morning into the early afternoon. Of these three alerts, two tornadoes have been confirmed.
An EF-1 tornado touched down in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts with maximum winds of 95mph. The tornado was on the ground for about three minutes and uprooted numerous large trees.
Later Tuesday evening, an EF-0 tornado was confirmed on Cape Cod. This tornado was on the ground for four minutes and damaged trees, power poles and fences in Barnstable. Residents recounted a "chaotic" event with fence posts and tree branches flying through the air.
Remaining storms this evening will slowly die off throughout the night. Much of the region will be dry Wednesday, but the overall unsettled pattern will continue beyond mid-week.
תגובות