A state of emergency has been declared in the city of Leominster and the National Weather Service has extended a flash flood emergency through today. Massive rain storms have invaded the city over the past several days which has caused massive sinkholes, property damage, closures of roads and massive flash flooding. There are some safety parameters in place and if you live in the Leominster area, you need to be made aware of the following.
Two emergency shelters have been set up at two area schools: Francis Drake Elementary School and the other at Skyview Middle School. If you are in need of any emergency equipment or just need a place to stay for the time being, you are encouraged to go there. Since several people have been evacuated from their homes, having these shelters will come in very useful for the people of the community. News outlets from all over the state have traveled to Leominster to capture these unbelievable images of buildings collapsing, cars being swallowed by water and in one instance, a house hanging on by its foundation due to massive flooding.
Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella is urging residents not to go out at all today unless they have to. As a result of the flooding, all Leominster public schools are closed. Also, Route 2 which was closed last night due to the flooding, has now been reopened. Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale advised residents that if they are in need of any help, they can contact 978-829-1900.
In a statement by Governor Maura Healey: “There are catastrophic floods in the Leominster area and other communities across the state this evening. My heart goes out to the impacted communities and public safety personnel.” The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is on the ground helping if anyone needs assistance. Check out these eye witness photos and videos from the flooding.
