Massachusetts

Coastal flood statement for 5 Massachusetts counties until 1 a.m. Thursday

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2024

Coastal flood statement for 5 Massachusetts counties until 1 a.m. Thursday

On Wednesday at 10:31 a.m. a coastal flood statement was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 8 p.m. until Thursday 1 a.m. for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Plymouth and Barnstable counties.

The weather service states, “Up to one foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways (3.5 to 12.9 feet Mean Lower Low Water).”

“Roads remain passable. Shallow pockets of flooding less than one foot deep affect more vulnerable coastal roads along the North Shore from Salem and Gloucester to Newburyport. Rough surf will likely cause some splashover onto coastal roads around the time of high tide,” states the weather service. “Do not drive through flooded roadways.”

Deciphering advisories, watches, and warnings: Understanding weather Alerts

Flash flood warning: Take action!

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall.

Flood warning: Take action!

A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.

Flood advisory: Be aware:

A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property.

Flood watch: Be prepared:

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.

Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the weather service

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the weather service flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

1. Seek higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

2. Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

3. Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

4. Avoid basements and submerged areas:

Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.

5. Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

6. Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.

7. Seek high ground if trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods. It is crucial to never drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of fast-flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.

Navigating heavy rain: Essential safety measures for wet roads

When heavy rain pours, the risk of flooding and treacherous roads rises. Here’s your guide from the weather service to staying safe during downpours:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Slow down and stay cautious:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stay toward the middle lanes – water tends to pool in the outside lanes.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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Massachusetts

Where to dine inside an igloo in Massachusetts this winter

Published

6 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Where to dine inside an igloo in Massachusetts this winter

Outdoor dining is out, and igloo dining is officially in.

While winter makes it difficult for diners to enjoy meals outside, several restaurants across Massachusetts break out heated igloos to give guests a chance to still have an outdoor dining experience.

Here’s where you can get that experience for yourself.

206 North Spencer Road

Black & White Grille has heated igloos for outdoor dining from now until the spring of 2026. The igloos are available daily for lunch and dinner. The igloos fit up to six people, and dining is limited to an hour and 45 minutes. At least two people are required to reserve an igloo, which also comes with a $30 deposit. Reservations can be made online via OpenTable or by calling the business at 508-885-5018.

2 Mercantile St.

Worcester’s first rooftop bar has heated igloos that offer views of downtown. The igloos fit up to six people and can be reserved for up to two hours. Each one costs $50 per party and is available from 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations, which are required, can be made via OpenTable or by calling The Mercantile at 774-389-5180.

2027 Massachusetts Ave.

From November to April, the Inn at Hastings Park in Lexington offers an igloo dining experience called the “INNgloo Wonderland.” The igloos fit up to six people and are available for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner Monday through Saturday, Saturday High Tea from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday Champagne Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each INNgloo features a faux fireplace heater, mini speaker and twinkly lights. It costs $120 to rent. Reservations can be made online or by calling the Inn at 781-301-6655.

160 Merrimack St.

Take in views of the Merrimack River from Haverhill’s coastal Italian restaurant, BOSA Coastal Italian. Guests can order from BOSA’s full menu while hanging out in the heated igloos, decorated with LED lights and blankets. The igloos will be open until spring. The igloos fit 6 to 8 people and can be reserved Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling BOSA at 978-641-3149.

70 Sleeper St.

Boston’s popular rooftop igloos and iceboxes are back at the Rooftop at The Envoy Hotel in Seaport. The igloos, which offer views of Boston’s harbor and skyline, can fit groups of up to six people. The heated igloos also come with blankets for extra warmth. Guests can try one of the rooftop’s seasonal cocktails, such as the Gin-gle Bell Hot Toddy or Winter Garden Spritz, as well. Reservations can be made online for two hours at a time. The phone number is 617-530-1538.

2261 Dorchester Ave.

The Bowery Bar in Dorchester has three heated yurts on its private patio available in the winter. The yurts can be reserved for lunch Monday through Friday, for dinner any day of the week and for brunch on weekends. Depending on the experience, the yurts have a food and beverage minimum of $100, $150 or $200 for a two-hour booking. Reservations can be made online, and any changes should be made by calling The Bowery Bar at 617-698-2261.

973 Providence Highway

Mick Morgan’s in Sharon has eight igloos available during the winter. The restaurant does not take reservations, so all igloos are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The igloos can fit six people and have no time limit. People can call Mick Morgans at 781-806-0066 for more information.

260 W Water St.

The igloos at Riverhouse Weir Village in Taunton have returned for the winter season, along with the restaurants’ popular Igloo Gingerbread Nights. The igloos fit up to eight people and cost $50 to reserve. Reservations must be made by calling the restaurant at 774-501-2003.

75 Ferry St.

For $5 a person, you can reserve an igloo at The Tipsy Toboggan in Fall River. The restaurant offers igloos for 5 to 8 people and an igloo cabin with tables for up to 4 people. The winter garden can be booked for brunch, lunch or dinner. Reservations last up to two hours and can be made online. The phone number is 508-567-0550.

Did we miss any? Please let us know at dcifarelli@masslive.com.

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Massachusetts

Nine high school sports takeaways from the first full night of the winter season – The Boston Globe

Published

18 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Nine high school sports takeaways from the first full night of the winter season – The Boston Globe

Browse our players to watch for the upcoming season: Boys’ basketball | Girls’ hockey | Girls’ basketball | Boys’ hockey

Preseason Top 20 rankings: Boys’ basketball | Girls’ hockey | Girls’ basketball | Boys’ hockey

Earning their first coaching wins with their programs were Jesse Mitchell (Canton girls), Liv Robles (Essex Tech girls), Mark Garrity (Malden Catholic boys), Josh Keilty (St. Mary’s boys), Danny Burns (Belmont boys), and Adam Russo (Melrose boys).

▪ The North Reading girls emerged from double-overtime battle with Pentucket with a 52-45 victory thanks to a game-high 23 points from Sophia Gallivan.

▪ Amari Moe provided the buzzer-beating basket as the Lexington boys nipped Burlington, 64-62, despite a big night from the Redmen’s Matty Gray (29 points). Charlie O’Brien paced the Minutemen with 23 points.

▪ Eighth-grader Jackson Hines drilled a tying 3-pointer from the corner at the buzzer to send the game to overtime, then scored 4 of his team-high 13 points in the extra period to give the Arlington Catholic boys a 62-55 road win over Revere.

Our first Top 20 team to get taken down was the No. 17 Abington boys, who lost an 89-80 barnburner to New Bedford despite getting 30 points and 10 rebounds from Kingston Maxwell and 24 points and six rebounds from Tyler Staiti.

Noah Bayersdorfer, Winthrop — In a 54-43 win over East Boston, the senior posted 30 points and seven rebounds.

Ashley Cox, Barnstable — The junior led all rebounders on Friday night, pulling down 15 boards to go with 12 points in a 53-28 win over Bourne.

Hannah D’Angelo, Pembroke — Our one hockey entry of the night, the senior paced the Titans to a 5-1 win over Norwell with two goals and two assists.

Kayla Dunlap, Natick — The sophomore saturated the stat sheet with 25 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds, and 5 steals in a 62-43 triumph vs. Brookline.

Anna Kanders, Swampscott — The sophomore did a tremendous job sharing the ball and looking for her own shot, scoring 20 points with eight assists in a 58-40 win against Gloucester.

Eileen Lowther, Hingham — The junior dominated the paint, blocking seven shots, grabbing 10 rebounds, and scoring 13 points to beat Middleborough, 43-19.

Diego Montanari, New Bedford — The senior dropped 31 points, leading the Whalers to an 89-80 upset of 17th-ranked Abington

Elian Rodriguez, Salem — The junior notched a double-double, scoring 21 points and dishing 10 assists in a 73-51 triumph over Saugus.

Roman Treadwell, Minuteman — The senior filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks ina 68-44 win over Nashoba Valley Tech.

Oliver Van Rhijn, Dover-Sherborn — The junior posted 23 points and 10 rebounds in a 56-44 win over Nipmuc.

▪ St. John’s Prep has a new volleyball coach: Pamela Benzan Leete. Leete coached both the boys’ and girls’ programs at Essex Tech, qualifying for the postseason for 10 consecutive years, capturing seven Commonwealth Athletic Conference crowns, and producing nine CAC MVPs.

“I am thankful and excited for this incredible opportunity,” said Leete in a statement. “I look forward to working with the boys and helping to mold this program’s future.”

Leete has also served as an assistant at Endicott and has spent more than a decade as a clinician at the Jumbos Volleyball Clinics at Tufts. A Danvers resident who grew up in Malden, she is the English department chair at St. John’s Prep, where she has worked since 2018.

“Pam embodies the kind of educator-coach who strengthens the heart of St. John’s Prep,” said athletic director Jameson Pelkey. “She understands how athletics can deepen a student’s confidence, character, and sense of purpose, and she has a remarkable track record of helping teams achieve at a high level while building a culture rooted in integrity and individual growth.”

Leete takes over an SJP program that has reached the Division 1 quarterfinals in two of the last four seasons.

▪ North Andover announced that former assistant Caitlin Enright will serve as interim girls’ lacrosse coach this spring. A North Andover alumna, Enright played three sports for the Scarlet Knights and went on to play lacrosse at Merrimack. A math teach at North Andover, Enright also serves as a JV soccer coach and freshman basketball coach.

▪ Former Catholic Memorial running back Datrell Jones has entered the transfer portal after three years at Boston College. He played in five games in 2024, with eight carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, but didn’t see the field in 2025.

▪ WPI sophomore Myles Lakin, a Reading graduate, and graduate student Lauren Meinhold, an Acton-Boxborough graduate, were named to the NFHCA Region 1 First Team. Meinhold is a two-time selection after leading the Engineers with 10 goals and five assists. She finished her career with 27 goal sand 26 assists. Lakin, who was named NEWMAC Defensive Player of the Year, logged 14 wins in net with an .863 save percentage and .955 goals against average.

▪ On Tuesday, the United Soccer Coaches released its All-America lists. Massachusetts was represented on the boys’ side by Emmanuel Marmolejo (Berkshire School), Alex Hensch (Longmeadow), Luke Dougherty (Natick), Bless Jeremie Mbuyi Kasongo (Northfield Mt. Hermon), and Garrison Murphy (St. John’s Prep). Honored on the girls’ side: Emmy O’Donnell (Concord-Carlisle), Sarah Tressler (Central Catholic), Emily Burnham (Wellesley), Sidney Heavey (Medfield), Addison Kalaw (BB&N), Tyler Martens (Groton), Nicole Proia (Natick), and Wylie Roossien (Phillips Andover).

▪ North Attleborough will retire Mike Babul’s No. 43 in between the boys’ and girls’ games against Attleboro on Jan. 20. Babul was a standout player for the Red Rocketeers before going on to play at UMass. After several stops as a college assistant, Babul was in his second season coaching Thayer Academy when he died of a heart attack at age 47 in 2024.

Diego Montananri, New Bedford, 31

Alex Ste. Marie, Manchester Essex, 31

Noah Bayersdorfer, Winthrop, 30

Kingston Maxwell, Abington, 30

Matty Gray, Burlington, 29

Cal Atherton, Newburyport, 28

Justin Flores, Lynnfield, 28

Connor Chiarello, Swampscott, 27

Liam MacPhee, Stoneham, 27

Jovani Melendez, Norton, 27

Caleb Haynes, Brookline, 26

Nate Lane, Salem, 26

Leticia Castro, Greater Lowell, 25

John Chareas, St. Mary’s, 25

Brandon Doherty, Lynnfield, 25

Kayla Dunlap, Natick, 25

George Howell, O’Bryant, 25

Mathaios Stamm, Newton North, 25

Teddy O’Neill, Swampscott, 24

Cam Santos, Bridgewater-Raynham, 24

Tyler Staiti, Abington, 24

Malikhi Tavares, Wareham, 24

Rolky Brea Arias, St. Mary’s, 23

Ethan Elie, Braintree, 23

Sophie Gallivan, North Reading, 23

Sarah Michel, Blue Hills, 23

Charlie O’Brien, Lexington, 23

Jonny Sullivan, Tewksbury, 23

Oliver Van Rhijn, Dover-Sherborn, 23

Harrison Burbine, Winchester, 22

Allie Danis, Newton North, 22

Savvy Eriksen, Abington, 22

Olivia Gaynor, Peabody, 22

Jordan Oliver, Acton-Boxborough, 22

Aiden Richard, Tewksbury, 22

Lily White, Dracut, 22

Weston Bunnell, Stoneham, 21

Elian Rodriguez, Salem, 21

Amare Rose, Wareham, 21

Meredith Gibbs, Dover-Sherborn, 20

Shane Harrington, Walpole, 20

Adyxandra Jimenez, Fenway, 20

Anna Kanders, Swampscott, 20

Ashley Cox, Barnstable, 15

Kelsey Hudon, Dracut, 12

Aboubakar Nimaka, Malden Catholic, 12

Bobby Taku, Malden Catholic, 12

Roman Treadwell, Minuteman, 12

Paige Morrison, Sandwich, 11

Sophia Coburn, Peabody, 10

Jeremy Hernandez, Catholic Memorial, 10

Eileen Lowther, Hingham, 10

Ava Martin, Somerville, 10

Kingston Maxwell, Abington, 10

Cassidy Saindon, Dracut, 10

Oliver Van Rhijn, Dover-Sherborn, 10

George Howell, O’Bryant, 9

Katie McMahon, Natick, 9

Teddy O’Neill, Swampscott, 9

Kate Suneson, Apponequet, 9

Lizzy Bettencourt, Peabody, 8

Kyle Ewans, Gloucester, 8

Jackson Farrington, O’Bryant, 8

Matt Kenney, Salem, 8

Erin Langone, Shawsheen, 8

Lily White, Dracut, 8

Elian Rodriguez, Salem, 10

Anna Kanders, Swampscott, 8

Domenic Paniello-Torres, Beverly, 8

Bridget Pole, Natick, 8

Dom Torres, Beverly, 8

Sienna Miranda, Seekonk, 7

Kaylee Maier, Dracut, 6

Kyle Ewans, Gloucester, 5

Grace Goudreau, Seekonk, 5

Amari Kergo, Somerville, 5

Rex Satter, Ipswich, 5

CC Curran, Natick, 4

Jillian Gagnier, Apponequet, 4

Hanna Kuriscak, Apponequet, 4

Teddy O’Neill, Swampscott, 4

Roman Treadwell, Minuteman, 4

Vin Winter, Ipswich, 4

Caelen Mahoney, Seekonk, 7

Kyle Ewans, Gloucester, 6

Lala Gomez, Shawsheen, 6

Amari Kergo, Somerville, 6

Tori White, Canton, 6

Avery Bettencourt, Peabody, 5

Kayla Dunlap, Natick, 5

Kelsey Hudon, Dracut, 5

Olivia Gaynor, Peabody, 5

Aliana Ryan, Peabody, 5

Connor Chiarello, Swampscott, 4

Jillian Gagnier, Apponequet, 4

Cece Levrault, Apponequet, 4

Sienna Miranda, Seekonk, 4

Denai Williams, Natick, 4

Eileen Lowther, Hingham, 7

Sophia Coburn, Peabody, 5

Carson Sarpong, Winchester, 5

Roman Treadwell, Minuteman, 2

Brendan Kurie can be reached at brendan.kurie@globe.com. Follow him on X @BrendanKurie.

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Massachusetts

A magical holiday village is tucked inside Massachusetts’ most famous candle store

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

A magical holiday village is tucked inside Massachusetts’ most famous candle store

Yankee Candle is a staple in the Bay State, famous for its colorful jars full of fragrance and warm light.

And while its candles can essentially be bought from anywhere, the mothership of the iconic candles lies in South Deerfield at Yankee Candle Village.

The flagship store, known for its ginormous collection of Yankee Candle scents and retail goods, is a winter holiday destination for those in New England.

This is the most popular candle scent in Massachusetts, according to The Loupe

Leading up to Christmas, the store turns into a complete holiday stop.

Now on prominent display are the brand’s many different winter scents, including such classics as Red Apple Wreath and Balsam & Cedar, and such holiday scents as Christmas Cookie and North Pole Greetings.

Bavarian Christmas Village, arguably the most festive room in Yankee Candle Village, is Christmas all year. Guests will stroll through an enchanted forest featuring a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree, nutcrackers, winter village displays and even indoor snow that falls every 4 minutes.

‘Disneyland’ Leverett estate of Yankee Candle founder Michael J. Kittredge II for sale at $23 million

But scattered throughout the flagship store are hints of Christmas and a winter wonderland — from the home section filled with holiday kitchen decor to the Toy Shop filled with jolly trinkets.

Santa even pays a visit to the Yankee Candle Village, hosting a storytime with kids every Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

And if the shopping and holiday joy become overwhelming, the store even has cafes that offer a bite to eat. Guests can also indulge in sweet treats in its candy store or try freshly made fudge.

Yankee Candle Village is located at 25 Greenfield Road in South Deerfield. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.