Eye on sodden skies

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

Steady rainfall expected to saturate parts of the Pioneer Valley over the next two days has prompted The National Weather Service to issue a local flood warning that will remain in effect until noon today.

The service is predicting that rain continuing throughout the day today and into Wednesday morning could add another 1 or 2 inches to the inch produced by Monday's wet weather.

A flood watch means flooding or flash-flooding is possible in a given area; a flood warning means flooding or flash-flooding is already occurring or is expected to occur soon.

On Monday, President Barack Obama declared seven Massachusetts counties major disaster areas, freeing up federal aid to people and households for damages caused by severe storms and flooding that began earlier this month.

The disaster declaration covers Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties. But all counties in the state are also eligible to apply for assistance under the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Although the majority of urban flooding damage has been reported in the eastern-half of the state, News 22 meteorologist Brian Lapis said area residents should keep a close eye on local roadways, rivers and streams.

"The bulk of the action in terms of flooding is going to be happening out east, but we could still certainly see some flooding around our area," Lapis said Monday.

"We are keeping our eye on some local rivers expected to reach flood stage by Wednesday afternoon."

Rivers rising

The Connecticut River, which reaches flood stage at a depth of 112 feet, was measured at 106 feet at 7 a.m. Monday and was expected to approach 111 feet by 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to the service's Web site.

Other local rivers expected to approach flood stage by Wednesday morning, according to the site, include the Mill, Chicopee and Westfield rivers.

Police in Amherst, Belchertown, Easthampton, Hadley, Northampton and South Hadley reported that they hadn't received any flood-related calls as of Monday evening.

The potential for flooding also prompted the American Red Cross' Pioneer Valley Chapter to release a statement listing emergency preparedness guidelines aimed at helping local residents reduce risks associated with heavy rainfall.

Recommendations include creating a disaster plan, preparing an emergency preparedness kit with first aid, medications and non-perishable food items, and heeding local flood warnings and watches.

The statement also urged residents to avoid attempting to drive through flooded waterways and to abandon their vehicles if they become trapped.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com