Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
The National Weather Service and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency warns of elevated risks for flooding; freezing rain, or a flash freeze; dense fog; and potentially damaging wind between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening.
With temperatures above 50 degrees through Saturday morning, anticipated rainfall between 2 and 3 inches beginning on Friday afternoon and continuing into Saturday evening along with rapid snow melt could cause river and stream flooding as well as flooding from snow-clogged storm drains.
Gusty winds into Saturday morning could lead to a few downed limbs or small trees; isolated power outages are possible. Temperatures will plummet as the rain stops, with Saturday afternoon readings in the mid- to low-20s with the potential for black ice to develop on wet roads.
Where would Bedford be most apt to experience flooding?
Bedford’s floodplain map was most recently updated in 2014. Click this link to visit the detail panels on the Town’s website https://www.bedfordma.gov/engineering/pages/firm-panels-for-bedford
Preparing for the stormy weather
On Thursday morning Public Works Engineer Adrienne St. John said, “With heavy rains expected, the DPW has sand available at the entrance to Springs Brook Park, and crews are out clearing catch basins and pushing back [snow piles at] corners.” She added that homeowners use common sense in preparing for flooding in their neighborhoods.
Safety Tips from MEMA
Flood Safety and Preparedness Tips are available at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/flood-safety-tips
- Elevate items stored in the basement and other low-lying flood-prone areas of homes and businesses to minimize damage from flooding. If you have a sump pump, check that it is functioning properly.
- Clear snow and ice from street catch basins and storm drains to prevent or reduce street flooding.
- Avoid parking vehicles in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding during heavy rainfall.
- Don’t drive through flooded roads. Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
- Safely remove any remaining piles of deep snow from flat and low-pitched roofs. If safe to do so, clear ice and snow from drains on flat roofs.