Flash Flood — Bristol, Massachusetts

2012-09-05 · near North Westport, Bristol, Massachusetts

Event narrative

Four to six inches of rain fell across Fall River, three of which fell in 45 minutes. Numerous roads and intersections were flooded, stranding many cars. There were 6 high water rescues, that occurred on Davol and Pearce Streets. Water was up to car windshields on Pearce Street. Four feet of water flooded the intersection of Lindsey and Ballard Streets. Forty to sixty cars became stuck in high water on Eastern Avenue near the rotary with President Avenue. Airport Road was closed due to flooding. A daycare center was evacuated because water began entering the building. More than 50 houses experienced flooding up to or on the first floor. The basement of Kimwell Nursing Home on New Boston Road was flooded. The emergency room at St. Anne's Hospital was flooded. A massive sinkhole opened up on Crescent Street, taking the cab of one of Fall River's new trash trucks with it. The North End Senior Center was flooded and closed for several days to repair flood damage. A newspaper account cited approximately $100,000 to the Sagamore Mill.

Wider weather episode

A cold front stalled across southern New England providing a focus for showers and thunderstorms. Plenty of moisture in the atmosphere led to efficient rainfall rates and flash flooding occurred, mainly in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (41.6617, -71.1324)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 413390. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.