VIDEO: Car Swallowed By Sinkhole in Leominster, State of Emergency Declared
There will be more rain in Leominster today, which is making the threat of more flooding and sinkholes very likely. Over the past couple of days, there have been numerous…
There will be more rain in Leominster today, which is making the threat of more flooding and sinkholes very likely. Over the past couple of days, there have been numerous sinkholes and road closures in the Leominster area that has gotten national attention. Because of the massive sinkholes and the chance for more rain today, Gov. Maura Healey issued a state of emergency across the commonwealth Tuesday night.
According to the Governor: "Today I saw firsthand the devastating impacts of severe flooding in Leominster and North Attleborough – and it was painfully clear that Massachusetts is in a state of emergency. This declaration will expedite our efforts to deliver relief to impacted communities and bolster our ability to access federal resources."
The Mayor of Leominster, Dean Mazzarella, canceled schools in Leominster once again today, Wednesday. Melissa from The Getup Crew on Hot 96.9FM has a mother and brother who both live in Leominster and shared a video and photo of the devastation from their areas of the city. It truly is heartbreaking and we want to reiterate that if anyone needs assistance in the area, contact MEMA.
There are also still numerous road closures in Leominster and those are posted HERE.
In regards to the video from the cars that were swallowed by some of the sinkholes, you can see that below.
VIDEO: Sinkhole in Leominster Neighborhood
Keep scrolling to see other first hand eyewitness reports from the devastation in Leominster. Keep in mind that today, Wednesday, there is anticipated rain and thunderstorms set to come throughout the day. So do not leave your homes if you do not have to. Also remember, if there is a puddle, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH IT. And remember, if you need any emergency assistance to reach out to MEMA or the local police department. Stay safe our Leominster friends!
Photos: Leominster Sinkholes Swallow Cars, State of Emergency Declared
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.
WCVB's Brianna Borghi shares Route 2 video
As of this morning, Route 2 has been reopened in both directions. It had been closed last night due to severe flooding in the area.
Mobile Home park is forced to evacuate
Residents of the Meadowbrook Acres community were rescued yesterday by military personnel . They were rescued by boat or stretchers.
Cars swallowed by rain!
Check out this footage of a car being swallowed by the massive flooding in Leominster yesterday. One person had to be rescued from the top of their vehicle.
"Worst damage we've seen"
THIS is the footage everyone is talking about. This home is hanging on by the foundation after massive flooding hit the Leominster area.
Sinkhole on Pleasant Street
This is the main reason the Mayor is asking people to stay off the roads. This sinkhole tore up a portion of Pleasant Street.
Massive flooding invades Leominster building
This footage is unbelievable. The amount of water is just too much and is rushing into this Leominster building.
Exchange Street looks like a river!
Exchange St. is flooded massively by the rain. Anyone trying to drive anywhere near this should obviously rethink that idea.
Roads are filled with debris
Stay off the roads if you can. Roads in Leominster are being filled with debris and seem to be impassable.
Footage from evacuations show pets leaving homes
Leominster emergency personnel are evacuating people and pets from area homes and a senior community.
MASSIVE flooding footage
This is not something you see everyday! Look at this first hand footage of the flooding in Leominster.
