Historic Rain Triggers Flash Flooding South of Boston, Closing I-93: What You Need to Know

On Thursday morning, flash floods hit areas south of Boston, causing chaos as heavy rain overwhelmed streets and highways. The storm led to severe traffic slowdowns during rush hour, with several cars trapped in rising waters.

Interstate 93 in Quincy faced significant flooding, forcing the closure of all lanes. At one point, multiple cars were stranded on the highway until waters receded.

Rainfall amounts were remarkable. Weymouth recorded 6.37 inches, while Hingham saw 6.21 inches. Braintree reported 5.23 inches, Sharon had 4.67 inches, and Walpole received 3.87 inches. Meteorologist Terry Eliasen described the storm as a “1 in 200 year event,” emphasizing the severity of the rainfall.

In Braintree, a driver named Paul became trapped in his car as floodwaters rose around him. He described the panic of water reaching his window, with flood levels rising up to his seat. “I was ready to climb through the sunroof,” he said, recounting his relief when police rescued him.

According to AAA, just six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control, while a foot of water can lift most cars off the ground. Large SUVs and trucks can be swept away in just two feet of water.

This extreme weather event highlights increasing concerns about climate change and urban infrastructure’s ability to handle heavy rainfall. Historically, heavy rains like this have caused significant disruption across many cities, but the intensity and frequency seem to be rising. More research shows that precipitation from severe storms has increased by nearly 71% since the late 1940s.

The public’s reaction to this flooding event has been strong, with many sharing their experiences on social media. People posted photos and videos, showing the devastation and chaos caused by the unexpected storms. This situation serves as a reminder of the impact of climate change on weather patterns and infrastructure.

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