Flood Warning for Middlesex and Essex Counties

A flood warning has been issued for the Shawsheen River near Wilmington and surrounding areas until Wednesday afternoon or until the warning is cancelled, according to the National Weather Service.

Tuesday’s heavy rains and Wednesday’s minor flooding forecast are bringing on the warning.

At 10:30 a.m., the stage was at 6.8 feet. The flood stage is 7 feet, the National Weather Service says.

Just before noon on Wednesday, Shawsheen River flooding already started to affect Whipple Road and the Brown Street Bridge area in Tewksbury. Tewksbury police are urging motorists to use caution if traveling in that area.

With the current minor flooding forecast, the river is expected to rise above flood stage by early afternoon and continue to rise to near 7.2 feet by Wednesday night. The river will fall below flood stage by Thursday morning.

The impact of the flooding river will affect low lying areas along the river from Wilmington through Lawrence.

The National Weather Service also issued a food warning this morning for the Assabet River at Maynard affecting Middlesex and Worcester counties.

The flood warning will be in effect until Thursday afternoon, or until the warning is canceled.

Runoff from heavy rain will result in very minor flooding along the Assabet and Shawsheen rivers in Northeast Massachusetts, according to forecasters.

Do not allow children to play near swollen rivers or culverts - swiftly moving water can pose an imminent threat to life.