Flash Flood Watch Issued, 2-4 Inches of Rain Possible from Evening Storms

A has been issued through Thursday night for the possibility of flooding along with any strong rain showers that could move through the area overnight.

Swampscott Public Works crews were out Thursday clearing catch basins in flood-prone areas.

Director Gino Cresta said anyone who is out on the roads during the overnight should avoid two low areas in town if it starts raining hard.

Those areas are under the railroad bridge on Burrill Avenue, near the train station, and Vinnin Square, especiall near.

it is wise to be aware that those areas can flood, he said.

The National Weather Service said the current flood watch – which means conditions are favorable for flood conditions – started at 4 p.m. on Thursday and runs through Friday morning.

It covers Essex County, including Swampscott, plus most other counties in central and eastern Massachusetts plus a portion of Rhode Island.

"Sudden heavy downpours will occur with any thunderstorms late (Thursday) afternoon and tonight,” the weather service said in issuing its watch. “Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches are possible within a short period of time.”

The heavy rain “may result in significant urban and poor drainage flooding,” and small streams may also rise out of their banks, the weather service said.