Boston, Massachusetts – Drivers and residents across southern New England could see rapidly rising rivers and flooded low spots overnight as heavy rain begins falling on an already deep snowpack.
According to the National Weather Service in Boston/Norton, a Flood Watch takes effect late tonight and remains in place through Tuesday morning for much of Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, and all of Rhode Island. Rain combined with accelerating snowmelt may send runoff quickly into rivers, creeks, and urban drainage systems.
Communities from Boston, Cambridge, and Lowell to Worcester, Springfield, and Plymouth could see water pooling on streets and in poor-drainage areas overnight into the Monday morning commute. In Connecticut, Hartford, Vernon, and Willimantic are included in the watch zone, while Providence, Warwick, and Newport are among the Rhode Island cities where rising waterways will be monitored closely.
Streams across the region are already running high after recent snow accumulation. Additional rainfall may push smaller rivers out of their banks first, especially near low-lying roads and neighborhoods along creeks.
Emergency officials advise residents in flood-prone areas to clear storm drains where safe, charge mobile devices, and avoid driving through water-covered roads. Even shallow flooding can stall vehicles.
The watch remains in effect until Tuesday morning, and additional warnings could be issued if rivers approach critical levels as rain continues across southern New England.
