N.H. Declares Emergency Over Flooding

N.H. Declares Emergency Over Flooding


Sunday May 14, 2006 7:16 PM

AP Photo MACS101

By DAVID TIRRELL-WYSOCKI

Associated Press Writer

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Gov. John Lynch declared a state of emergency and activated
the National Guard on Sunday as torrential rain washed out roads, flowed over dams
and forced people from their homes.

"It's a very serious situation," Lynch said, adding that forecasters were predicting
12 to 15 inches of rain by the end of the storm in parts of southern New Hampshire.
"It continues to change and the situation continues to worsen."

Some areas had seen 7 inches of rain by midday Sunday and forecasters said up to 5
more inches might come during the day.

About 100 residents were evacuated from their homes in Wakefield because of concerns
about two dams in the area, the state Office of Emergency Management said. At least
a dozen dams were being closely watched.