Heavy rain temporarily floods I-91

By Kate Augusto and Matt Collette, Globe Correspondents

Portions of Interstate 91 in Western Massachusetts flooded today as a winter storm pounded the state with up to 2 inches of rain.

Several inches of water pooled on the interstate between Springfield and Greenfield when snow blocked storm drains.

"Early this morning there were spots where there were several inches of water, generally in the left travel lane," said Trooper Eric Benson, a State Police spokesman.

The owners of buildings with flat roofs were urged to clear off the wet, heavy snow that fell overnight because it could cause collapses. Snow left on flat roofs can act like a sponge and absorb sleet and rain, adding more stress to structures, said Don Boyce, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

In metropolitan Boston, there have not been any reports of significant standing water in communities that are often prone to flooding. No problems were reported in Quincy, Peabody, Scituate, Revere, and Winthrop.

• Comment
• Permalink
• Email