Rain Causes Flooding In Southeast Mass.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding and road washouts in Fall River, but city officials are reporting no serious injuries.

The deluge began about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, and the National Weather Service in Taunton issued flash flood warnings for parts of southeast Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Meteorologist Bill Simpson says between two and three inches of rain fell in an hour's time in the Fall River area.

Fall River Mayor William Flanagan says dozens of motorists became stranded, with some climbing atop their vehicles to escape the water.

Flanagan says the city called every police officer and firefighter to duty to answer emergency calls, including rescuing people from swamped cars.

He said, "Mother Nature wreaked havoc on our city this morning."

City officials say it's too early for property damage estimates.