Heavy rain brings flash flooding in parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island

By MICHAEL CASEY
Associated Press

LEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP) — Heavy rainfall has flooded parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with one city declaring a state of emergency as water poured into homes, creating moats around their foundations, and stranded drivers. Leominster, Massachusetts, Mayor Dean Mazzarella urged people not to venture outside as roads flooded Monday night, but some residents were evacuated as water came into their basements. All schools were closed Tuesday. Mazzerella says the city got 11 inches of rain over five hours. Concern about a dam in the city led to evacuations. More storms were in the forecast for Wednesday and in early forecasts for the weekend. Coastal New England is expected to be affected by wind and flooding from Hurricane Lee.