Aftermath of the Storm: Coastal Flooding, Evacuations, and Roads Washed Out
A relentless rainstorm pounded the region overnight, unleashing widespread flooding along the coast on Wednesday. The deluge washed out roads and prompted evacuations in Hampton, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
The storm, accompanied by several inches of rain, coupled with unseasonably warm temperatures that melted weekend snowfall, resulted in dangerously swollen rivers.
In response to the crisis, Hampton police declared an emergency due to exceptionally high seas and flooding. Urging residents to temporarily relocate to higher ground, they emphasized the severity of the situation.
“As the current storm begins to ease, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed, as another storm is expected from Friday night through Saturday,” officials warned.
While the heaviest rain subsided in eastern Massachusetts by 7 a.m., a flood watch and wind advisory remained in effect until 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Anticipated flooding included areas along Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester, Easy Street on Nantucket, and the North Shore from Marblehead to Newburyport.
Washed-out roads became a significant issue in Rhode Island. In Johnston, emergency crews rescued stranded residents, with swollen rivers and creeks rendering roads impassable. Evacuations took place in various locations, including Park Street apartments and along Belfield Drive.
The Pawtuxet River in Cranston, Rhode Island, posed a “serious and potentially life-threatening situation,” prompting evacuations in Cranston, Warwick, and West Warwick. The Blackstone River also experienced substantial flooding.
Residents, like Sammy Bee of Cumberland, shared online photos and videos depicting severe flooding in their neighborhoods. The footage showed roads cracking from the flooding, with swift water flowing through the broken streets.
The Weather Service emphasized following local officials’ instructions, evacuating when asked, and avoiding sightseeing. They warned of the potential for river banks to erode due to swift flows.
State Police reported flooded main thoroughfares, including Route 95 at Thurbers Ave., Route 10, and Route 146 at Sayles Hill Road. Motorists were urged to stay alert and seek alternate routes.
With wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph, the storm’s impact was felt at various locations. Blue Hills Observatory in Milton reported gusts of 70 mph, Newport, Rhode Island, at 66 mph, and Cape Cod with gusts up to 65 mph in Chatham and Wellfleet. Power outages affected thousands of customers in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Sewage overflows added to the challenges, with flooding causing issues in Boston. The city’s Public Health Commission reported discharges and overflows in different areas, creating potential health risks for water bodies like Boston Harbor and Fort Point Channel.
The public was advised to avoid contact with affected water bodies for at least 48 hours after sewage discharge or overflow due to increased health risks from bacteria associated with stormwater runoff.
Please note that this information is based on details available up to my last training cut-off in January 2022, and there may have been developments or changes since then.