Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog
Massachusetts saw at least two tornadoes this week — the first tornado experience since 2008, according to CNN. Wednesday our state was hit with chaotic weather conditions that took the lives of at least 4 residents. Commonwealth has only reported 55 tornadoes since 1950, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
A pack of wild storms rolled through the Springfield area yesterday and caused some serious damage and the aftermath poses some real threats of storm damage and injuries in Massachusetts.
Our Boston personal injury attorneys urge residents to be extra careful before, during and after these storm conditions. Some of the most serious risks for injury occur after storms have hit the area. Residents are urged to be alert for fallen power poles, loose debris in the area and flooding that could put your car at risk for submersion.
“It was obviously an incredible surprise … we’d been monitoring the weather all day and by early afternoon nobody was overly concerned … but by late afternoon some storm clouds started to appear,” spawning tornadoes that battered several towns, said Peter Judge of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
Residents of 19 small communities in Massachusetts that were hit by the tornadoes are left to deal with the catastrophic damage. These two late-afternoon tornadoes shocked residents and emergency officials. Our area is more accustomed to dealing with snow and bone-chilling cold weather than these funnel clouds and tornadoes.
“I can see the plywood of roofs, and see houses where most of the house is gone,” said Marrone, pastor of The First Church of Monson. “The road that runs up in front of my house … There’s so many trees down, it’s completely impassable.”
To make matters worse, the National Weather Service in Taunton, Massachusetts has issued a flood advisory for several counties in the Bay State because of the storms throughout the state, according to the Nashua Telegraph. It is estimated that these storms could produce up to two inches of rain an hour, which could cause flooding in urban areas.
The National Weather Service in Taunton has issued a flood precautionary and preparedness advisory: “Do not drive you vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.”
It is important to avoid flood water. If you cannot see the road, it is critical for you to steer clear of that area. Water depths may be unpredictable and could take control of your vehicle. It is also important to remember that all vehicles are vulnerable to submersion, even SUV and trucks.
Safety Issues offers these tips to help residents that get caught up in the dangerous flood water and find themselves in a submerging car:
-Remain calm. It is important to thinking clearly and effectively to escape the vehicle.
-Open a window. You may want to keep your seat belt fastened at this time so that you are able to strike the window with more force if you have to break it open.
-Unfasten your seat belt and prepare to exit.
-If your car is sinking, you are urged to let the some of the water into the cab so that you can stabilize the pressure and open the door more easily.
-Once you’re out, swim with the currently to safety.
If you or a loved one have been experienced a car accident in the Boston area, contact Massachusetts Car Accident Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (617) 777-7777.