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Historic rainfall triggers floods in Boston, prompting closure along the I-93 in Massachusetts

ByRishav Kothari

Exceptionally heavy rainfall fell in parts of eastern Massachusetts on July 10, 2025, triggering widespread flash flooding across Boston and surrounding towns, stranding vehicles and temporarily shutting down all lanes of Interstate 93.

Floods near Braintree, Massachusetts on July 10, 2025. Credit Digi Gal

Floods near Braintree, Massachusetts on July 10, 2025. Credit Digi Gal

Historic rainfall caused widespread flooding in Boston and several cities and towns south of the city on July 10, 2025. The flooding led to multiple road closures, including the temporary closure of all lanes on Interstate 93 during the morning hours.

As severe storms passed through the region, approximately 161.8 mm (6.37 inches) of rainfall was recorded in Weymouth, while Hingham received 157.8 mm (6.21 inches) during the early hours of July 10. Braintree recorded 132.8 mm (5.23 inches), Sharon received 118.6 mm (4.67 inches), and Walpole had 98.3 mm (3.87 inches).

Reports indicated that the majority of the rainfall occurred over approximately 3 hours, starting at 06:00 local time. WBZ-TV, citing executive weather producer Terry Eliasen, reported that the rain totals represented a 1-in-200-year event.

At least three vehicles were stranded on Interstate 93 for several hours until the floodwaters receded. These included one van and two cars, which remained immobilized due to the challenging rescue conditions caused by the flooding.

“Every time they sent a truck or a car by, our vehicles would move like boats,” said Kerri Kuehne, the driver of the van stranded on the highway. “So, we were almost hitting each other… the waves would come, and you could feel them pick up the car. It was crazy.”

In Braintree, police rescued a retired Air Force veteran who became stranded by floodwaters while driving to an appointment at the Brockton VA Medical Center.

“There was no way you could tell how deep it was. I thought maybe a couple inches, and before I knew it, it swept me away, and I couldn’t get out of there. I got stuck, so that’s when I called 911 for some help,” said the driver. “The water was waist-deep. They came through this water waist-deep — the police officers — and they did what they had to do, and I really appreciate that. They’re my heroes today.”

Homes near Staten Road in Braintree were also flooded after a nearby brook was overwhelmed by the heavy rainfall, turning backyards into streams and allowing water to enter basements.

In Randolph, firefighters assisted residents in pumping water out of flooded basements. Resident Tamarah Cherry told WCVB News that she called 911 when the water reached the hookups for gas and electricity.

“I would say it was about 1.2–1.5 m (4–5 feet). It was pretty high. Our whole spare room was flooded and everything down here was, like, ruined,” said Cherry.

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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