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Flash flooding reported in Boston area

A man rode a bicycle along Tremont Street near the Boston Common during heavy rain showers Wednesday.John Tlumacki/Globe staff/Globe Staff

Storms dumping heavy rain swept into the Boston area this afternoon, flooding roads in some of the city’s suburbs.

Flash flooding was reported in Waltham, Lexington, Arlington, and Medford, according to reports fielded by the National Weather Service.

By 5:30 p.m., flash flood warnings expired, but the weather service said a flash flood watch remained in effect until 8 p.m.

The severe storms caused heavy flooding this afternoon on Route 128 in Waltham, rendering several lanes impassable on both sides, said State Police spokesman David Procopio.

Storms also deluged Southeastern Massachusetts earlier today.

In Taunton, a driver had to be rescued from a vehicle on Forest Street when it became trapped by flood waters. Richard Ferreira, director of Taunton’s emergency management agency, said water levels reached the bottom of the car’s doors, and the vehicle began taking on water. The driver was evacuated and the car was towed.

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“We’re going to have periods of rain off and on today, and it could continue overnight, but definitely a changing weather pattern tomorrow,” said Weather Service meteorologist Kim Buttrick.

Over the past 36 hours, the torrential downpours have brought as much as 4 inches of rain to the state, according to reports collected by the weather service. That number was recorded in Royalston in Central Massachusetts.

The weather service said that Marshfield, Athol, and Lunenburg had also received more than 3 inches of rain.

Temperatures will likely fall to the mid-60s overnight. Showers are likely, though mainly before 11 p.m.

On Thursday, “drier air is expected to move in, less humid conditions, and it should continue through the weekend,” Buttrick said. Temperatures in the low 80s and sunny skies are expected through Sunday.


Kiera Blessing can be reached at kiera.blessing@globe.com.