Governor Healey tours flooding damage in Western Mass. as Vermont remains in active response mode

WESTERN MASS. — The heavy rains that devastated Vermont yesterday also caused flooding in Western Massachusetts, leading to many issues for local farmers. Governor Healey spent the morning speaking with residents and touring the damage.

“People are hurt here,” said Governor Healey. “They are really hurt and we are making sure we are doing what we can for those folks.” She is still unsure if Massachusetts will be given any federal funding.

The flooding in Western Massachusetts has concerned many farmers who live and work in the area. One local farmer, Tim Nourse, said, “I think that anything that’s underwater...at this stage of growth it’s a major impact”.

Flood warnings are still in effect for those who live along the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts.

At it’s peak, a Connecticut River gauge in Northampton rose above it’s flood stage by 3.5 feet, reaching 115.5 feet. Today, the gauge measured minor flood conditions, and is expected to remain there until tomorrow afternoon.

This flood marks the third highest flood level this part of the Connecticut River has seen since Hurricane Irene in 2011, and only the third moderate flood the area has endured in the past 35 years.

Western Massachusetts reels from these catastrophic floods along with Vermont, who has also turned to recovery after the record-breaking rain. The state has already improved from yesterday, but much more work will have to be done. Many towns, like Stamford and Wilmington, have had roads washed out in addition to damaged homes and buildings.

This morning, crews from Massachusetts began to help with the search-and-rescue effort in Vermont. Since Sunday, there have been over 200 rescues.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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