Valley could see localized flooding

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

A steady rain pouring on the Valley this week is swelling streams and rivers and could bring localized flooding to some parts of Hampshire County.

Sustained rain overnight Monday prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood warning for Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties Tuesday evening. Rain is expected to continue through this morning, according to the service.

Besides increasing the water level of rivers and streams, the rain might also cause drainage systems to flood in urban areas, according to the advisory.

Although some flash flooding may occur, Guilford Mooring, superintendent of Amherst's Department of Public Works, said he isn't expecting major problems.

"We don't have much of a snow pack left above us, so dealing with (flooding) should be pretty easy," Mooring said.

George Brehm, superintendent of the Northampton Department of Public Works' wastewater division, said the spring has produced a "nice melt," and crews at the city's wastewater plant on Hockanum Road are closely monitoring the height of the adjacent Mill River.

The river was some 5 feet above average for this time of year, and as a precaution, Brehm said he has a crew stationed at the plant around the clock to operate pumps.

Local police departments received few flooding reports as of Tuesday night, other than a small amount on Fort Hill Road in Easthampton. That flooding was the result of spillover from River Road, which was already flooded.

The Connecticut River had risen to 27 feet Tuesday afternoon, or about 1 foot shy of flood stage, according to the weather service. The level is expected to approach 31 feet by Wednesday evening. At that height, flooding in low-lying areas outside of levee protection is likely from Greenfield to Hatfield.

As a result, the weather service has issued a flood warning for Franklin and Hampshire counties until further notice.

The river measured at 107.5 feet Tuesday morning, some 5 feet above average for this time of year but shy of expert predictions that the river could exceed 113 feet should the rain continue to fall. As a precaution, Brehm said he has a crew stationed at the plant around the clock to operate pumps.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com