Torrential downpours sparked dangerous flash floods in central Massachusetts on Monday evening, prompting officials in one city to evacuate residents and declare a state of emergency. Between six and nine inches of rain fell on Monday in northeastern Worcester County, where a flash flood warning was in affect until 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. A flash flood emergency was declared for Leominster, about 40 miles northwest of Boston and where forecasters bluntly told residents to quickly seek higher ground. Forecasters also said that the surrounding towns of Fitchburg, Lunenberg, Sterling and others could also experience flash flooding. “Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”

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Persons: Sterling, ” Organizations: National Weather Service, Leominster, Weather Service Locations: Massachusetts, Worcester County, Boston, Fitchburg, Lunenberg