Weeklong rain in western Mass. increases risk of basement flooding

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Consistent rain this week is causing localized flooding, as a Flood Watch remains in effect for western Massachusetts Monday evening.

The long stretch of showers could mean bad news for your home and basement. The National Weather Service currently has a flood watch in place that could cost you thousands if your basement isn't prepped. The dramatic increase in rain from a previously dry winter raises the risk of floods. 22News spoke with an expert at Advanced Basement Waterproofing about why more homes could see leaks.

"Lately, the water table has been high, and that means people who never had water issues, they start having water problems," said Sergey Dumanetskiy, Research and Development at Advanced Basement Waterproofing. "Every other home nowadays must have a well container, sump pump."

One reason for the rapidly increasing water table is the current drought impacting western Massachusetts. Prolonged drought conditions can lead to hydrophobic soil, meaning that all the rain this week won't be absorbed by the ground and could end up in your home.

While keeping your sump pump running is a necessary precaution, checking your home and flood coverage is equally important. Certain weather events may require an additional flood insurance policy. John Dowd has been in the field for 47 years and told 22News what homeowners need to look out for when purchasing insurance.

"As a homeowner, you need to be aware of your surroundings," said John Dowd, President and CEO of The Dowd Agencies. "You also need to be aware of what flood zone you're in, because typically that will dictate whether you need flood insurance or not."