Monson recovers from severe flooding

MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) - Residents in Monson are cleaning-up after torrential rains over the weekend caused flash flooding throughout the town.

Officials report that at least 5.8 inches of rain fell in less than three hours on Sunday morning in the eastern Hampden County town.

Photos: Flash flood emergency in Monson

Beebe Road was one of nine roads that were significantly damaged. In one section, the roadway crumbled into a mess of upturned asphalt and rocks. Other streets were nearly impassable and had to be shut down, including Route 32, the town's main thoroughfare.

"It looked like a river. I mean, literally a river with asphalt chunks and stones," said James Cadieux of Beebe Road. "It was surreal."

But despite the damage, all the roads that were closed on Sunday re-opened by Monday morning.

Monson Police told 22News that no other damage was reported overnight on Sunday, but they're still asking residents to report any issues they may have from this extreme bout of weather.

This latest round of severe weather brought back traumatic memories of the June 1 tornado, which devastated the town last year.

Carol Margerison of Beebe Road had taken a video of the roadway's buckling. "I e-mailed it to my daughter in New Jersey and called her and she said: 'I think it's time for you to sell the house and move out of Monson.' This is unreal," she said.