Emergency responders and police officers sprang into action across eastern Massachusetts on Thursday morning, as torrential downpours triggered rapid and dangerous flash flooding. Streets turned into rivers and countless vehicles became stranded, prompting numerous road closures and urgent rescue efforts.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for a large swath of the region, with rainfall rates surging to as much as 2 inches per hour. The deluge created chaotic conditions across multiple counties, including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Plymouth, where warnings remained in effect through late morning.
In Braintree, dramatic moments were caught on camera when two local police officers rescued a man trapped in his vehicle along Granite Street. A photographer from Boston 25 News captured the officers carrying the stranded individual to safety as rising water threatened to engulf the car. In a statement shared on social media platform X, the Braintree Police Department praised the dedication of first responders, writing, “Braintree departments step up during unprecedented storm. Our town departments are out in full force, working tirelessly to keep residents safe during this historic storm.”
Braintree saw several other drivers abandoned their cars in deep water and wade to higher ground. Authorities strongly warned residents to avoid specific flooded areas, particularly around Union Street, The Landing, and Granite Street near Wood Road, where conditions were deemed especially hazardous.
By the peak of the evening commute, floodwaters in Braintree climbed so high that they swallowed nearly entire vehicles, reaching up to their hoods. Boston 25 News reported seeing tow truck drivers rushing to retrieve submerged cars. Officials urged the public to steer clear of flooded roadways and to consider alternate routes until conditions improved. “Please stay off the roads if possible until the flash flooding subsides or seek alternate routes,” authorities warned.
Meanwhile, major travel routes were affected elsewhere in the Greater Boston area. Sections of the Expressway in Milton and Quincy were closed after floodwaters overtook the road, stalling out multiple vehicles and leaving the highway looking more like a lake. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation confirmed that the closures would last for several hours due to the severity of the situation. “I-93 is experiencing flooding as a result of significant rainfall,” state police said in a public advisory.
Beyond the immediate Braintree area, flood advisories extended to a wide range of counties. A broader flood watch was in effect through 4 p.m. for Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties, further highlighting the widespread impact of the storm across the Commonwealth.
Authorities continue to monitor developments closely and urge residents to stay up-to-date with local forecasts and emergency guidance. For real-time information and storm tracking, officials encouraged the use of the Boston 25 News mobile app and social media channels. As Massachusetts grapples with the aftermath of this sudden flooding event, public safety remains the top priority for emergency crews and municipal departments working tirelessly across the region.
