Massachusetts and Rhode Island Declared State of Emergency as Historic Floods Ravage Communities

Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, leading to massive flooding and the declaration of a state of emergency in two communities. The downpour, amounting to nearly 10 inches in just six hours, has caused water to pour into homes and has even forced boat rescues of residents. The extreme weather conditions have also raised concerns about the condition of a dam in Leominster, leading to further evacuations. According to weather officials, the heavy rainfall is being described as a "200-year event," meaning that the chances of such intense rainfall occurring in any given year are only one in 200.

Despite the damage caused, more rain is expected in the forecast for Wednesday, while Hurricane Lee is predicted to bring additional winds and flooding to several states in the region over the weekend. Leominster, located about 40 miles northwest of Boston, has been significantly impacted by the flooding. Approximately 300 people have been evacuated, including residents of a high-rise apartment building and a nursing home. Mayor Dean Mazzarella has stated that the city has not witnessed such widespread damage since a hurricane back in 1936. Several buildings downtown have flooded and collapsed, and rail service into Boston has been disrupted. The mayor urged residents to find higher ground during the storm and reported that any injuries sustained were minor.

In addition to the damage caused by the heavy rainfall, two dams in Leominster sustained some damage. However, they managed to hold, and the city is currently working on reinforcing them to prevent further complications. The record-breaking rainfall is evident in the fact that a trained spotter near Leominster recorded 9.5 inches of rain, which is considered a rare occurrence with a one in 200-year probability. The previous record for single-day rainfall in Massachusetts was set in 1955 when Tropical Storm Diane dropped just over 18 inches of rain in Westfield.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her concern for the affected communities and assured that emergency boat rescue and response teams were deployed to assist. She also reached out to the Biden administration, the congressional delegation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance. The devastating flooding has left many residents emotionally distraught and uncertain about the state of their homes.

The city of Leominster is particularly vulnerable to periodic flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to rivers. The situation has further emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to address climate change. Scientists have explained that the occurrence of such intense floods is linked to climate change, as warmer air can hold more moisture. They emphasize that unless significant measures are taken to reduce carbon emissions, these extreme weather events will continue to worsen over time.