Pioneer Valley struck by heavy rain causing flooding and blocked roads.
Springfield- Main Street in Springfield south of Mill Street was one of a number of areas around Springfield Saturday that had flooding issues due to the steady rain. After a prolonged dry spell, the region was struck by heavy rain Saturday, flooding many roads and underpasses and forcing the cancellation of the “Celebrate Ludlow” festival and fireworks.
Two to 3 inches of rain was reported on Saturday in some areas, blocking many roads, flooding low-lying areas, and stalling cars, while East Longmeadow recorded 4.6 inches by evening.
“We definitely need the rain,” said Mike Skurko, a meteorologist for CBS3. “This may be a little bit too much all at once. Two, 3 inches all at once is never a good thing.”
The “Celebrate Ludlow” festival and fireworks Saturday was canceled as a result of the heavy rain and public safety concerns, Selectman Aaron Sanders said.
The festival was planned at the Ludlow Fish and Game Club on Sportsman Road. With rain flooding some low-lying areas and some lightning, the Police and Fire departments determined it would not be safe to have the event, Saunders said.
More than 2 inches of rain was recorded in Holyoke and Westfield and more than 3 inches in Longmeadow, Skurko said.
Holyoke police reported flooding of roads including the underpasses on Cabot Street and Sergeant Street.
In Longmeadow, multiple cars were stuck Saturday afternoon in a flooded section of Dwight Road near the Franconia Golf Course, Sgt. Andrew Fullerton said. There were also cars stuck on Williams Street near Wilkin Drive, and Blueberry Hill near the elementary school, he said.
The rain helps ease the recent drought conditions, Skurko said.
More rain is in the forecast. Scattered showers are expected daily in the afternoon over the next week, Skurko said.
Today: A few showers, partly sunny, a little humid, high 82.
Tonight: Variable clouds, mild and muggy, low 64.
Monday: Partly cloudy, an isolated afternoon shower, muggy, high 83.
Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, muggy, high 82.