"Catastrophic floods": Leominster under state of emergency, schools closed Tuesday

LEOMINSTER - Leominster is under a state of emergency due to "catastrophic floods" across the city. Schools are closed on Tuesday because buildings are flooded. Residents were being evacuated from across the city Monday night. 

The National Weather Service said a Flash Flood Emergency is in effect for Leominster, Fitchburg and Lunenburg until 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said, "Do not venture out. It is not safe." Cars were stuck on Route 2 as the flooding intensified. 

"It's every part of the city, it's basements, roofs, cars, everywhere," Mazzarella said. "What I can tell you is there is no reason to go out, unless it's an emergency stay home."

Mazzarella said the city has called in every police officer and firefighter. Fire trucks were being used to block cars from entering flooded roadways. The mayor said the whole downtown area is completely flooded. 

"I've been around the city, I can just tell you, I've had to turn around 10 times, very few streets that aren't flooded at this particular point," Mazzarella said in a video posted on Facebook. "Everything is just one big lake."

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she has been in contact with Mayor Mazzarella and state agencies are assisting with ground and boat rescues.

"There are catastrophic floods in the Leominster area and other communities across the state this evening," Healey said. "My heart goes out to the impacted communities and public safety personnel." 

Video from Exchange Street in Leominster shows floodwater rushing through backyards by an above ground pool and deck. 

The raging water was so intense it washed away manhole covers and sinkholes formed in parts of the city.

Some residents were stuck at home due to rising waters in their yard. "There is a foot of water, maybe even a little bit more water that is in the backyard," said Chris Cartier of Leominster.

Rescue crews were going door to door in the Meadowbrook Acres mobile home park evacuating people there. Residents say a dam gave way and water rushed into the complex.

Kayleigh Force went to help her grandmother out. "Anxious. She is scared. This isn't usual for this area so she doesn't know what is going on and what to do," Kayleigh said. 

Buses were brought in to help take people to a safer area. An emergency shelter has been opened at the Frances Drake school on Viscoloid Ave.

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