New England flooding has been a major cause of concern this summer. This is the rainiest summer the region has seen in 68 years.
Due to the nonstop rain we’ve witnessed this summer, the land is saturated with water it can’t absorb anymore. Water levels are also rising. The combination of these two plus sudden downpours is the ultimate recipe for flash flooding concern.
Vermont still recovering from July flooding damage
Thousands of homeowners and businesses lost their properties to the catastrophic floods that swamped Vermont in mid-July. An estimated $54 million in aid was administered to the state, and yet many are still without power, homes, and vehicles. Almost 3,000 people have already sought aid or shelter with Vermont’s temporary disaster recovery centers.
Stuck underwater, without even being able to catch a breath, New England is under another flash flood warning due to the path of Hurricane Lee.
Hurricane Lee to cause more New England flash flooding
September through November is hurricane season in the tropics and both Hurrican Lee and the newer, Hurricane Ian, may be making their way to the northeast. While the storms are not predicted to touch land, they do bring with them the potential for more downpours.
According to The Weather Channel, “areas from coastal Maine to southeast Massachusetts have the best chance to see at least some soaking rain.”
Intense flooding shuts down Leominster
The saturated ground is literally sinking from the continuous rain. Floods from Monday, September 11, caused a giant sinkhole on Route 2 in Leominster, Massachusetts. The road was closed and many parked vehicles in the area could not be recovered.
Passengers had to escape the sinking road in emergency rafts. Schools and businesses were closed, and residents were informed to stay home and avoid driving due to the potential collapsing of additional infrastructure.
According to officials many roads, bridges, and railways are compromised and cannot be used. A building also collapsed on 38 Spruce St. in Leominster.
Boston under flash flood warning
There is a flash flood warning for Boston on Wednesday, September 13. Meteorologists also predict chances of flash flooding this Friday through Saturday, September 15-16, as Hurrican Lee moves north.
How to protect your property from flash flooding?
Areas in Boston and Greater Boston have been and will continue to be impacted by these flash floods. There is a new flash flood warning for Southeastern Massachusetts through 3:15 PM on September 13.
The best protection starts with the location and construction of your property, two things that can’t be amended much once you own it. The most effective way to protect your home is to ensure gaps in foundation or entryways are sealed.
Another protection barrier is sandbags. The town of North Attleboro is offering sandbags in its emergency clean-up kits to protect homes from the incoming rain.