For Immediate Release: 10/22/2016 1:29 pm
Worcester, MA (October 22, 2016) - Public Safety Officials and Worcester DPW and Street Dept. workers continued through the night and this morning to address issues related to last night's flash-flooding. Streets have been opened and street sweeping efforts are underway. Manhole covers have been replaced as identified, however some may remain lifted. Residents are asked to call (508) 929-1300 to report uncovered manholes. Individuals are also reminded to be cognizant of downed wires and to avoid standing water.
Power Outages:
Due to power outages, traffic signals remain out of service and are being worked on in the following areas: Highland St. at Park Ave, Sever St. at Pleasant St., Hawley St. at Pleasant St., Endicott St. at Millbury St. and Hammond St. at Southbridge.
National Grid is reporting scattered outages in neighborhoods and has worked through the night to restore power, please check on the elderly and neighbors who may be in need of additional assistance. Residents are urged to discard any food products that were without refrigerated for four or more hours. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40°F for over 2 hours. Never taste food to determine its safety! You can't rely on appearance or odor to determine whether food is safe. Always discard any items in the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.
Residents in need of non-emergency assistance are encouraged to call DPW Customer Service to report any street or manhole issues at (508) 929-1300.
Flood Water Reminders:
The City of Worcester's Division of Public Health and Division of Inspectional Services are advising all City residents to take precautions when dealing with water as a result of severe flash flooding this evening. Due to this weather event, residents may be impacted by local flooding in their homes and neighborhoods. The flooding may have caused raw sewerage overflow and as such, residents are advised to treat all standing water as if it may be contaminated. In an effort to mitigate illness, proper procedures are advised.
Prior to undertaking cleanup efforts, take proper precautions:
The following steps should be taken to mitigate health risks from a building contaminated with sewage:
When proceeding with cleanup operations, remember that those individuals whose immune systems are in some way compromised or who are otherwise susceptible due to age, medication or underlying illness are considered to be at greater risk of contracting infections than those individuals who are healthy.
For more information, please visit:
Park Closings:
Crompton and East Park are closed due to flooding (at a minimum until Monday). Beaver Brook Park field is also closed.
Please continue to follow your local media for additional updates.
