Unsettled Weather Conditions Grip New England as Hurricane Lee Approaches

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As New England grapples with the aftermath of turbulent weather events that included excessive rainfall, flooding, and the likely occurrence of a tornado, it now faces the impending arrival of Hurricane Lee. A hurricane watch has been issued from Stonington, Maine, up to the U.S.-Canadian boundary, cautioning residents about possible hurricane conditions, substantial precipitation, and coastal flooding from Friday night into Saturday, as stated by the National Hurricane Center on Wednesday evening.

Regions spanning from Watch Hill, Rhode Island, to Stonington, Maine, inclusive of Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket, are under a tropical storm watch. Authorities have also issued a storm surge watch for Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket, alerting residents to the potential for perilous flooding late this Friday and Saturday.

The forthcoming hurricane poses a risk of exacerbating already severe weather conditions in a region that recently experienced a deluge of 10 inches (approximately 25 centimeters) of rain within a span of six hours. On Wednesday, areas in Massachusetts and Rhode Island contended with tornado alerts and additional bouts of heavy rainfall that led to the formation of sinkholes and inflicted considerable flooding damage on various localities.

Data from radar and video footage suggested that a tornado likely caused destruction to trees and electrical infrastructure in both Rhode Island and Connecticut this Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Boston. In the wake of the storm, imagery from Lincoln, Rhode Island, revealed significant roof damage as well as a press box at a high school stadium overturned onto the bleachers.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced the activation of the state’s emergency operations center via social media, emphasizing that it would remain vigilant to the rapidly changing weather conditions in the days ahead. “The most prudent action at this moment is to stay abreast of regular updates,” McKee advised.

Residents in flood-hit areas like North Attleborough, Massachusetts, are monitoring the weather with apprehension. For instance, Sean Pope saw his swimming pool transform into a quagmire and his basement flood with water up to a depth of three feet (approximately 91 centimeters). “I remain vigilant, scrutinizing the forecast and identifying areas of potential rainfall and dry spells. The efficiency of our pumps is crucial,” Pope noted.

Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency late on Tuesday in response to the “devastating flash floods and property damage” that impacted two counties and additional communities. The overwhelming rainfall earlier in the week represented a “200-year event,” stated Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boston.

Healey reiterated on Wednesday that the state’s emergency management agency is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide assistance. She further urged the public to heed flood warnings earnestly and to comply with road closures when mandated.

The downpours led to the formation of several sinkholes in Leominster, Massachusetts, with one swallowing multiple cars at an auto dealership. Meanwhile, in Providence, Rhode Island, substantial rainfall flooded parking facilities and sections of a shopping complex, necessitating the rescue of over two dozen individuals from stranded vehicles by firefighters using inflatable boats.

Despite a brief respite in precipitation, rainfall resumed in Leominster on Wednesday afternoon. Flash flood warnings were in effect for parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Earlier in the day, heavy rainfall impacted Danbury, Connecticut, leading to the rescue of numerous individuals from submerged vehicles.

Although Hurricane Lee did not contribute to this week’s earlier flooding, it is progressing northward and may potentially make landfall in Nova Scotia, Canada, possibly as a tropical storm, according to forecasters.

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella noted in a Wednesday press conference, “The soil is already at saturation point; it can absorb no more.” He added that upwards of 300 residents were evacuated by Tuesday morning in Leominster, a city that has not witnessed such widespread destruction since the 1936 hurricane. Preliminary estimates suggest that costs for restoring the city’s infrastructure could range between $25 million and $40 million.

This summer, New England has already been hit by a storm in Vermont that unleashed up to two months’ worth of rain within two days, resulting in two fatalities. Scientific research indicates that the global warming trend is affecting weather patterns, leading to more frequent occurrences of extreme rainfall events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New England Weather Conditions

More about New England Weather Conditions

• National Hurricane Center Updates
• Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee’s Social Media Announcements
• Massachusetts State of Emergency Declaration
• National Weather Service in Boston Radar Data
• Scientific Research on Global Warming and Extreme Weather
• Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella’s Press Conference
• Flash Flood Warnings for Massachusetts and Rhode Island
• Infrastructure Restoration Cost Estimates for Leominster
• Vermont Summer Storm and Resulting Fatalities
• Previous Extreme Weather Events in New England