Intense rainfall paralyzes parts of Lynn for hours

LYNN, Mass. - In Lynn it seemed as though, once the rain began, it would never stop.

Drivers had to be rescued from flooded streets as major roadways were submerged under more than two feet of water.

While some drivers heeded the warnings and chose not to drive in the rain, others weren't as lucky and ended up getting caught in the middle of the chaos. Some bigger and taller vehicles somehow managed to plow through the flash flood on the Lynnway.

"I should have stayed home, nice people finish last," said Jamie Davidson, who got stuck in the flood.

Davidson said she was helping free a friend from the flood waters, only to get stuck herself.

"I came [and] pushed her out of the Kentucky Fried Chicken parking lot, and then when I was trying to leave and escape out the back I got trapped in front of the Garelick Farms and that's all she wrote," said Davidson.

Most of the flooding actually happened when many were asleep, trapping early risers in the high waters and impeding others to get where they needed to be.

"I live right over the bridge and I was going to get a coffee and here I am, never made it," said Terri Mercurio.

Other parts of the city also got swamped with flood waters, such as Washington and Monroe streets.

"I guess they've gotten about six or seven inches of rain in Lynn," said Jeff Cohen.

Cohen's guess was close, as rainfall totals in Peabody and Lynn came down to a whooping eight inches.

Early in the afternoon, waters began to recede, allowing for traffic to finally move through. The area, however, was still under a couple feet of water.

Cox Media Group