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.
