Flooding Forces Evacuations In Western Mass.

Updated August 28, 2011

The Associated Press

Western portions of Massachusetts are bearing the brunt of flooding from Tropical Storm Irene.

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency spokesman Scott MacLeod says the National Guard is assisting in evacuations in the Berkshire towns of Charlemont, Ashford and North Adams.

A flash flood warning has also been issued for Franklin and Hampshire Counties.

A number of roads and bridges are reported closed in the area and a mobile home park in Williamstown is being evacuated. There are no reports of any deaths or serious injuries.

MacLeod says the problems reported so far may be only the "tip of the iceberg."

MacLeod says some parts of central and western Massachusetts have received five inches of rain or more from the storm.

State police said earlier there were evacuations in Chester because of flooding on the Westfield River.

Irene Coverage:

This article was originally published on August 28, 2011.

This program aired on August 28, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.