Storm brings flooding, hurricane-force winds to Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. (FOX 13/AP) - A powerful nor'easter hammered the Massachusetts coast on Thursday, generating coastal flooding, including in Boston, where firefighters rescued a motorist stuck in his vehicle.

Coastal flooding in Massachusetts, including in Boston, Lynn and Cape Cod, has made roads impassable.

One observer said water had cut through a barrier island in Chatham, flooded up to a condominium complex's doors and caused several cars to float.

People living along Massachusetts' south shore were encouraged to evacuate ahead of the storm, which affected most of the east coast.

Boston firefighters rescued a man who had become trapped in his car in a flooded intersection. The National Guard was also called to help with rescues in Brant Rock and Scituate, where waves breached a seawall.

The vicious winter storm hitting the East Coast also brought hurricane-force wind gusts to parts of Massachusetts.

On Nantucket, the National Weather Service says it received reports of a wind gust of 76 mph on Thursday and a gust of 75 mph in Wellfleet, on Cape Cod.

Winds of 74 mph or higher are considered hurricane force.

Block Island, Rhode Island experience a 61 mph wind gust.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.