Fierce Downpours On North Shore Flood Roads, Spur Tornado Warning

PEABODY, MA — Parts of the North Shore were unpassable Thursday afternoon amid heavy rains that spurred both flash flood and tornado warnings.

A severe thunderstorm and flash flood warning was issued for the area around noon on Thursday through mid-afternoon. Shortly after 1 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning — although as of later in the afternoon there were no reports that one touched down.

Flooding was reported in some of the typical troublesome areas in both Peabody and Salem.

Most of Essex County and part of Middlesex County were under flash flood warnings until 2:45 p.m.

Residents were reminded against walking or driving through floodwaters and to seek higher ground to avoid flash floods.

(If you have a report of storm damage in your area, or can safely take pictures of storm-related events, send them to Scott Souza for publication at scott.souza@patch.com.)