The Morton Meadows elderly apartment complex in Athol, Mass had had to be evacuated Saturday because of concerns over flooding after some ice chunks got loose and started moving down a river.
According to Massachusetts DOT, the ice chunks were floating down Millers River and hitting the Exchange Street Bridge. The bridge has been temporarily closed as a precaution after the ice has caused some damage.
Some of the water from the river started spilling into people's backyards.
"I've seen it up to the garage, but never in the garage," said resident Steve Schafron.
A 28-unit elderly housing complex was also evacuated out of concern for possible flooding according to Athol Town Manager Shawn Suhoski. Most of the people who were evacuated are staying with family or in a temporary shelter set up at town hall.
Safety personnel are focused on a bend and sand bar near the town's wastewater treatment plant where sever large chunks of ice are clogging the river and backing up water. Public works officials have also been filling up sandbags to help people in low-lying areas safeguard themselves.
