Hurricane Safety and Preparedness

New England Braces for Flooding and Potential Joaquin Impacts

After days of heavy rain and flooding across parts of New England, government officials are encouraging residents to continue taking precautions as Hurricane Joaquin approaches.

Parts of New England face an even greater risk of heavy flooding after already experiencing record-setting rainfall earlier this week.

Massachusetts

With heavy rain and flooding already hitting the Boston area this week, Mayor Martin Walsh urged caution with the city potentially in the hurricane's path.

"Avoid walking or driving through flood waters — just six inches of moving water can knock you down and two feet of water can sweep away your vehicle," Walsh cautioned in a press release. "With heavy rain the potential exists for downed tree limbs, which could result in power outages. Take action before and during a flood: Build an emergency kit, make a family communications plan, and listen to local officials and monitor your local radio or television for information."

Boston set a rainfall record on Wednesday with 2.46 inches (previous record was 1.26 inches in 1899).

Rhode Island

Gov. Gina Raimondo is working with emergency management officials to prepare for the storm, and told residents to take the necessary precautions.

"My number-one priority through every storm is making sure Rhode Islanders are safe," said Gov. Raimondo in a press release. "As the state continues to monitor Hurricane Joaquin, I urge everyone to prepare. Now is an excellent time to go over your family's emergency communications plans and put together a disaster-supply kit. Please check the news and social media for updates, and make sure to take extra caution on the roads as the rain and winds continue over the next few days."

On Wednesday, Rhode Island experienced record-breaking rainfall and power outages. National Grid reported that more than 5,000 homes and business were without power at one point during the day.

Providence more than doubled the previous rainfall record with 2.02 inches of rainfall (previous record was 0.95 inches in 1946).

Maine

Major flooding was reported Wednesday in and around Portland, with many roads completely covered in water.

Some 1,400 customers lost power in the state, according to Emera Maine.

Cumberland County was placed under a coastal flood warning for most of Wednesday as the area was overwhelmed by record rainfall. Portland, Maine, had a 5.56 inches of rainfall (previous record was 2.14 inches in 1920).

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