Boston Area Residents Bracing for the Worst
Just as the rain-weary residents of Boston were hoping to dry out after heavy rains and flooding over the past three weeks, another major storm is expected to deliver several more inches on the area and residents are once again bracing themselves.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick who had already declared a state of emergency, says that roadways will flood and basements will fill with water. The latest big nor’easterner could bring up to 7 more inches of rain. The ground in the greater Boston area is already saturated and unable to absorb any more moisture. Sandbagging is taking place by residents and business owners all across the area who are hoping to stay dry.
A flood watch was issued by the National Weather Service which is expected to last through this afternoon for the greater part of southern New England. Pumps are busy at work removing water from several dams to prepare for the addition of more rain water. Commuters traveling area highways are taking alternate routes to and from work as roadways have become washed out-making them impassible.
Residents throughout many of Boston’s neighborhoods are once again hunkering down in preparation for the new storm that is slowly making its way up the East Coast. Boston area residents are urged not to drive their vehicles or walk through flood water. They are also being told not to try to take a canoe or kayak out for recreational purposes as fast moving, deep and dirty water is nothing to be taken lightly.
President Barack Obama issued a disaster declaration Monday for seven Massachusetts counties as National Guard troops were being mobilized to help flooded communities. People are being asked to prepare for flooding by gathering medication and other essentials that may be needed in the event that an evacuation is necessary.
While there is little that can be done to control Mother Nature, people can move valuables in their homes up to higher ground and take other precautionary measures such as clearing downspouts and gutters to prepare for the wrath of these heavy spring rainstorms. Sandbags are being made available throughout the greater Boston area and makeshift evacuation relief centers are being put into place to provide shelter to residents forced to evacuate.
Massachusetts Declared State of Emergency Following Days of Heavy Rains
Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick declared that his state was in a state of emergency after several long days of heaving rain fell on New England this past week, which left entire neighborhoods, streets and basements flooded with deep, muddy water.
Patrick has ordered state agencies to step into action and said that displaced residents have been re-located to shelters in those communities getting the worst of the storm damage. Declaring a state of emergency is a much needed step to make sure the state gets all of the federal aid it is entitled to. For now, flood waters must reside before a full assessment can be made. There was much fear that the Waltham Moody Street Dam would burst under the tremendous pressure, but soon relief came when the rains finally subsided.
Many of Massachusetts’ rivers were in the critical flood stage and numerous counties were under flood watch and warnings. Many schools were forced to close down and numerous workers were sent home. The strong winds and driving rains downed trees and power lines as river banks could no longer hold their own-sending muddy water rushing into yards and homes. Flooding is the most costly type of emergency that the state of Massachusetts faces each year, but this giant storm was not expected and left most people in its path dazed and terrified.
For those living in the storm damage area, it is good to remember to watch and listen for reports related to localized flooding as small streams in low-lying areas can swell quickly over their banks if another rain moves through the area. It is a good idea to minimize the chance of having basements flooded by elevating utilities and materials that could be prone to basement flooding. Know the evacuation procedures and listen to local public officials so that the appropriate emergency action is taken if need be.
Flash flood waters move swiftly and can sweep away vehicles, uproot trees, knock down buildings and destroy bridges. Just six inches of fast moving water can knock you completely off your feet so if you are forced to walk through a flood area, use a walking stick to be sure you are on solid ground at all times. If you have discovered water has entered your home, It is highly advisable that you do not turn on your home’s electricity to check for damage as a spark could cause a fire if there should happen to be a gas leak. Take care to clean everything in your home that has gotten wet as floodwater often picks up sewage and run-off from streets and factories. Throw away anything you have doubts about and locate your insurance company as soon as possible.
