NORTH ADAMS -- River Street lived up to its name during torrential downpours that caused flash flooding in the city Saturday afternoon.
The street was one of several roads and intersections that were temporarily transformed into lakes and rivers as thunderstorms swept through the area. Flooding was reported on State, Frederick and Houghton streets; Hoosac and Ashland streets; Bluff Road and the Curran Highway.
John Hockridge, of New England Weather Associates, said Sunday that much of the 1.53 inches of rain that fell in the city Saturday came down in a time frame of half an hour.
"The combination of heavy rain and the short duration of it created the flooding," he said. "Most of the rain occurred in localized, heavy rains between 1 and 3 p.m., and much of that occurred within a half-hour period."
Mayor Richard Alcombright said two full crews from the city's Department of Public Works were called out to clear clogged storm drains and remove gravel that had washed onto some roadways. The crews were out for about six hours on Saturday, and they will clear any remaining debris from roads during the week, he said.
"If anyone is still experiencing issues from Saturday's rain, they're welcome to give the DPW a call and we'll attend to them. If they can't get through to the DPW for any reason, they're welcome to call my office," he said.
The Department of Public Works can be reached at 413-662-3157. The phone
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