REGION – A quick but intense thunderstorm dumped 2-plus inches of rain in Marlborough as well as the rest of the region on Friday, Aug. 18, causing flash flooding and closing down roadways.
While other parts of the state experienced tornado warnings, the National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings for parts of the region.
In Marlborough, there are a lot of small brooks and streams in all areas of the city, including the downtown area.
The waterways downtown are underground in culverts, with one branch emerging behind the Department of Public Works, another behind Marlborough Fire Headquarters at 215 Maple St. They empty into the Sudbury Reservoir. Other streams – some underground and some above ground – also empty into the Sudbury Reservoir as well as Hager Pond and Lake Williams.
More than 2 inches of rain fell within a half-hour, overwhelming these small streams and storm drains. As the ground is already being saturated from the recent rains, this storm only added to the problem.
Sewer covers were lifting on the roads and storm drains could not keep up with the downpour. Marlborough, known as the City of Seven Hills, had water rushing down these hills. On Main Street, the Liberty Hills Apartments, one of the city’s elder housing complexes, had water rushing in from the hill on Prospect Street. The stairs that lead from Devens and MacEnelly streets to Main Street looked like waterfalls.
Maple Street, Boston Post Road West, Boundary Street Phelps Street and Farm Road all suffered severe flooding. On Farm Road, drivers who attempted to negotiate the water in the road found their cars stalling due to hydro lock (or water getting into the engine).
Police cruisers blocked the roadways. A reverse 911 call went out informing people that they should stay off the roads.
Lieutenant Mike Quinn of the Marlborough Fire Department stated that “the department was very busy during the morning, answering 911 calls, checking on road conditions. throughout the city.”
He shared that one call was that the brook at Helen Drive was overflowing its banks and in to the basement of a home there.
“The brook was flowing over the retaining wall and into the basement of the home. There was nothing we could do until the flow of water subsided,” Quinn said.
Other communities were also impacted by the storm.
Westborough police reported flooded roads, including Hartford Turnpike. The heavy rain, and the flooding it caused, forced the Grafton Public Library to close for at least two days.
According to a post on its Facebook page, “Multiple areas on the first floor flooded, resulting in situations significant enough to pose a threat to the safety of staff and patrons.”
The library reopened on Monday, Aug. 21, but with several area closed due to water, and possibly electrical, damage.
Portions of the Community Room, the Children’s Program Room, Children’s Room and the Children’s Staff offices will remain closed to staff and patrons until they are deemed safe.
Maureen Sullivan contributed to this report.
