News Summary
Fall River, Massachusetts, experienced severe traffic disruptions due to flooding from heavy rainfall, prompting the closure of Route 24 southbound and a flash flood watch. Local authorities issued warnings as flooding extended to areas like Boston and Wareham, and emergency services responded to multiple incidents. Although flooding subsided later, a prior thunderstorm caused property damage and left thousands without power. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as another storm could bring more severe weather and rainfall in the coming days.
Fall River, Massachusetts faced significant traffic disruptions on Thursday morning as Route 24 southbound was temporarily closed due to extreme flooding caused by heavy rainfall. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced the closure of Exit 4 and urged drivers to seek alternative routes and avoid the flooded area whenever possible.
A flash flood watch was issued for Bristol and Plymouth counties until 12:45 p.m. the same day. Several areas were impacted by severe flooding, including Wareham and sections of Boston extending up to Boylston Street. The situation highlighted the unpredictable nature of flash floods, which can create hazardous conditions even in areas that appear unaffected.
As the weather deteriorated, a flash flood warning was issued for Bristol County at 7:45 a.m., lasting until 1:15 p.m. This warning anticipated heavy rain and potential thunderstorms. The fast-rising waters disrupted daily life and posed risks for motorists and pedestrians alike.
MassDOT confirmed that after several hours, the exit was reopened, allowing traffic to resume as conditions improved. Local emergency services, including police and fire teams, responded actively to multiple reports of flooding, property damage, and downed power lines.
In addition to the flooding, on July 3, a separate thunderstorm with winds exceeding 60 mph caused widespread damage throughout Greater Fall River, uprooting trees and resulting in power outages for hundreds of residents. The aftermath of this storm continued to affect the region, with National Grid reporting nearly 2,000 customers still without power as of Friday morning.
In a related incident, a partially constructed building on Bank Street experienced a structural collapse during the severe weather, though fortunately, there were no injuries reported from that event. The continuous barrage of rain and wind has left the community on edge as they dealt with the implications of the severe storms.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast indicated a shift for the following day. July 4 was expected to bring sunny skies and cooler temperatures, with highs projected around 84 degrees. However, weather patterns on the following Sunday suggested further thunderstorms could occur, with predictions of severe weather bringing heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts. The chance of precipitation for that day was estimated at 80%, with an anticipated accumulation of up to half an inch of new rainfall.
As the community grapples with the effects of severe storms, local authorities continue to monitor conditions closely. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared, especially with the potential for further inclement weather in the coming days.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: Flood
- NBC Boston
- Google Search: flooding Fall River
- Fall River Reporter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Herald News
- Google News: Fall River weather
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