News Summary

A powerful nor’easter hit Massachusetts, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that led to significant flooding and transportation disruptions. Areas like the South Shore received nearly 5 inches of rain, while Cape Cod experienced wind gusts over 60 mph. Emergency services were active, responding to stranded vehicles and operational disruptions at Boston Logan Airport. As rain is expected to continue, local officials remind residents to stay vigilant about public safety and potential hazards from the storm’s aftermath.

Massachusetts experienced severe disruptions and flooding due to a powerful nor’easter that swept across the region on Thursday. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, causing significant damage and affecting transportation systems.

The South Shore saw almost 5 inches of rain, while parts of Cape Cod recorded wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. In Brookline, the storm toppled trees, and Westwood faced storm drains that overflowed, exacerbating flooding conditions. Chelsea’s Willow Street was particularly hard hit, becoming completely inundated and stranding vehicles. Emergency services, including tow trucks and police, were deployed to assist stranded motorists.

At Boston Logan Airport, numerous flights were canceled as a direct result of the storm’s impact on air travel. The flooding extended beyond urban areas; in Everett, continuous rain led to significant flooding on Air Force Road, and large tree limbs as well as power wires fell on Bradford Street, causing additional hazards. A local resident discovered that a tree had crashed onto his parked car, but fortunately, he was not inside at the time.

The evening commute turned increasingly difficult, particularly on the Orange Line, where flooding disrupted normal operations. In response to the conditions, shuttle buses were utilized between Ruggles and Jackson Square as crews worked diligently to pump out water from the tracks. Similarly, vehicles in Falmouth, Cape Cod, were trapped in rising floodwaters, contributing to the region’s transportation woes.

Marinas in Cape Cod took precautions under gale warning flags, with boats secured to weather the storm. The Sandwich harbormaster commented on the adverse conditions that could impact the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, to address the flooding, crews from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation proactively closed a floodgate leading into Winthrop. This measure helped manage flooding but also blocked traffic to the area, prompting urgent discussions about public safety from local officials.

Forecasts indicated that rainfall totals across the region were expected to average between 1.5 to 2 inches, with the potential for localized higher amounts. Minor flooding was anticipated in smaller rivers and streams, although major rivers were not predicted to overflow. Along the coast, northeast winds were expected to peak at 30-50 mph, while inland gusts could reach 20-40 mph. Minor coastal flooding was also anticipated during the Thursday night high tide, which was projected to peak around 8 p.m. with possible splashover effects downtown.

Rainfall was expected to persist well into Thursday night, with heavy downpours possible. Forecasts suggested that Friday morning would see scattered showers, but the storm was predicted to gradually move away from the area. By Saturday, conditions were expected to improve, featuring patches of sunshine and the potential for isolated showers. The second half of Memorial Day weekend appeared more promising, with increasing sunshine and milder temperatures anticipated, reaching the upper 60s on the holiday itself.

The Massachusetts emergency services and local government agencies remain on alert to ensure public safety and manage any arising situations related to the ongoing storm effects. As this weather system dissipates, residents are encouraged to remain aware of changing conditions and be prepared for any residual impacts from the storm.