North Shore rains bring West Nile virus concerns in Peabody

By Steven A. Rosenberg, Globe Staff

PEABODY – Following the flooding Tuesday that closed Peabody Square and another 12 of the city’s streets, officials announced today that they planned to begin targeted spraying to prevent mosquitos from proliferating and spreading West Nile virus.

“We do have a concern because of all the water,” said Peabody Public Health Director Sharon Cameron, who was one of several city officials who met with the media Wednesday afternoon.

Peabody is still reeling from yet another storm that turned the downtown into a small lake, and pushed water to levels of five feet on two streets near City Hall.

Fire Chief Steven Pasdon said that despite the 150 calls the city received for services, there were no serious injuries on Tuesday.

While the three feet of water receded at Peabody Square late Tuesday night allowing it to reopen, parts of Foster Street were still closed at mid-afternoon today. Pasdon said all power had been restored to residents.

Pasdon said the intensity of the storm – which dumped 4.55 inches on the city in a three-hour period early yesterday morning -- coupled with high tide occurring in nearby Salem at around 5:30 a.m., created a familiar scenario for Peabody residents. “It was a recipe for what took place,” said Pasdon.

Over the past 15 years, Peabody has had six major floods, which have made Peabody Square -- which more than 25,000 cars pass through each weekday -- impassable. The floods occur during heavy rains, and cause brooks and streams to overflow under Peabody Square, pushing the water above ground and toward homes and businesses.