Torrential downpours dumped 3.67 inches of rain in Wellesley in less than two hours on Tuesday, August 8.
The storm caused areas of localized flooding because our stormwater infrastructure is unable to handle this volume of rainfall in such a short period of time.
The Wellesley Police Department reported that numerous roads and homes were flooded by the heavy rain. Many cars were disabled when trying to drive through flooded roadways, and two drivers needed to be extracted from vehicles that were stuck in rising water.
Most areas of flooding in Town have receded but the storm clean up will continue for the next few days.
Department of Public Works crews are working throughout Wellesley assessing damage, and looking for dislodged manhole covers or stormwater grates, sinkholes, and debris. If residents see areas that need repairs, please email the department directly at dpw@wellesleyma.gov
According to the National Weather Service, in the month of July, the Boston area received more than 10 inches of rain, way above the typical amount of 3.3 inches. This amount of rain creates a lot of water in the soil, resulting in conditions where we see flash flooding within a short period of heavy rain.
The Wellesley Police and Fire Department are reminding everyone to be familiar with the proper steps to take if you find yourself in the midst of a flash flood.
- Do not walk through flowing water; most drownings occur during flash floods. Six inches of swiftly moving water can knock you off of your feet.
- Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” Don’t drive through flooded roads. Cars can be swept away in only two feet of moving water. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
- Do not drive around road barriers. Roads and bridges may be washed out or structurally unsound.
For other flood safety and clean up tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), visit https://www.mass.gov/flood-safety