Parts Of MA At Higher Risk Of Flooding As Heavy Rains Move Into New England

WORCESTER, MA — Half of the state was under a flood watch Monday morning with heavy rain set to move into the state over the next 24 hours that could overwhelm local rivers and streams, according to forecasts.

A pattern of rain on Sunday moved through the Hudson River valley and western Connecticut, dropping as much as 5 inches in some places, causing flash floods that washed out roads and damaged homes and businesses.

Monday's flood watch was in effect for every county in Massachusetts between the Berkshires and the edge of Worcester County. The flood watch will be in effect until Tuesday morning due to a separate band of rain that will move across the state beginning Monday evening.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas," the National Weather Service said in the advisory.

A wider section of the state stretching from I-495 to the New York border is in an area where there's a 40 percent or greater risk of flooding caused by excessive rainfall, according to forecasts. There's a lower but still present risk of flash flooding east of I-495 to Boston, according to the weather service.

Thunderstorms may also break out across the state over the next 24 hours, bringing a risk of high winds alongside heavy rain.

The heaviest rain was expected in northern Vermont around Lake Champlain, which could see up to 4 inches of rain by Tuesday morning.