Heavy downpours can lead to flash flooding

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Some heavy downpours moved through western Massachusetts Wednesday afternoon.

Torrential rain that we typically see this time of year can lead to flooding and there are a number of factors that can contribute to heavy rain.

“High humidity, the changing climate. We’re in a warming climate so the atmosphere can hold a lot more moisture in it. Things in the atmosphere that can occur to create these localized downpours that can sit around for minutes to hours and can drop heavy rainfall in a short amount of time,” 22News Storm Team Meteorologist Chris Bouzakis explained.

When storm drains are unable to keep up with all the water, they can back up and streets can quickly flood. In addition to flash flooding, heavy rain can also make it very difficult to see on the road.

Each year more deaths occur from flooding than any other thunderstorm related hazard.

Never attempt to drive across a flooded road, you could end up damaging your car or even losing your life. Always remember, “turn around, don’t drown.”

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