Lynn on lookout for flood troubles

LYNN – A flood watch and high wind watch has been issued for the city of Lynn and the rest of eastern Massachusetts throughout today, according to the National Weather Service.Heavy rain will begin by 7 a.m. and should start tapering off by 2 p.m., with accumulations of one to two inches.A high-winds watch means there is potential for sustained winds of at least 40 miles per hour or gusts of 58 mph or higher and will be in effect this evening through late night, according to the NWS.Temperatures will rise to mid- and upper 40s by this afternoon but will drop down below freezing – around 20 degrees – by tonight as the storm pulls away. Anything that doesn’t melt during the day today will freeze by tonight.The rainfall and warmer temperatures could lead to flooding.But the majority of catch basins in Lynn have been cleared over the past month, says Lynn Water and Sewer Commission Executive Director Daniel O’Neill, and residents of Lynn should not be too concerned about flooding.”Over the last month, we have done our best to allocate resources to remove snow and ice from catch basins in low-lying areas, under bridges and in problematic areas in lower elevated areas of the city,” O’Neill said. “We also pay close attention to complaints from residents and will prioritize clearing catch basins and sewers in those areas as well.”Drivers are advised be careful because the heavy rain will fill potholes quickly.This particular time of the year presents problems when fixing potholes, says Department of Public Works Commissioner Jay Fink, since the composition of material for fixing potholes in cold weather is not as sustainable as that of the material used in warm weather.”Cold patch material really doesn’t have the composition that’s necessary to effectively compact inside (the pothole),” says Fink. “Under significant rain, the cold-patch material easily deteriorates. During this time of the year when temperatures are cold and below freezing, water gets into the cold patch material and will freeze and expand.”Saturday’s forecast is looking dry with highs around 30 degrees and lows around 22 degrees. Sunday has a slight chance of precipitation with highs in the low 30s and lows in the upper 20s, according to the NWS.To report flooding, call the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission emergency hot-line at 781 596-2406.