Flash Flood Warning for Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island Through 6:45 PM

New Bedford, MA — The National Weather Service in Norton has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southeastern Bristol County and south-central Plymouth County in Massachusetts, plus Newport County in Rhode Island, until 6:45 PM EDT.

What is happening: Doppler radar shows thunderstorms pouring heavy rain over the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches has already come down, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour and another 1 to 3 inches possible. Flash flooding is underway or will start shortly. Towns in the path include New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Newport, Bristol, Marion, Middleborough, Wareham, Somerset, Portsmouth, Middletown, Fairhaven, Tiverton, Westport, Acushnet, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Little Compton, and Prudence Island.

Local impacts: Small creeks and streams will rise fast. Expect flooding in urban spots, on highways and streets, at underpasses, and in other low-lying and poor-drainage areas.

What to do:

- Never drive through flooded roads — most flash-flood deaths happen in vehicles. Turn around, don't drown.

- Move to higher ground if water is rising near you.

- Stay off the roads in the warned area until the warning ends at 6:45 PM EDT.

Source: National Weather Service Boston/Norton, September 26, 2026. Reported by TNW News.