A deep longwave trough, south-southwest flow at all levels, and the development of a QLCS (quasi-linear convective system) created all the ingredients for a widespread and susbstantial flash flood event across much of southern New England.  For a few hours during the late morning, helicity values were high and a brief tornado formed along the QLCS in North Brookfield, MA.

Tornado in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 09:56:00 to 16-JUL-23 09:59:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH BROOKFIELD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A NWS survey determined at an EF-0 tornado, with maximum estimated peak wind of 80 mph, touched down in North Brookfield at 1056 AM EDT.  There were no injuries or damage to homes in the area.  There were several eyewitnesses to the tornado, although none of them saw an actual funnel.  One eyewitness was in an auto body shop and reported strong winds making the garage door bow inward.  Another eyewitness, the Fire Chief of North Brookfield, saw debris lofted into the air.  A third eyewitness described chaotic swirling as the tornado passed by.  The tornado is estimated to have touched down a little east of the North Brookfield Waste Water Center.  It traveled about 2 miles to the northeast, although not on the ground continuously, and ended a little east of the intersection of Ryan Road and Hillsville Road.  The damage was limited to trees, with the most concentrated damage area along Ryan Road, slightly north of the Ward Street intersection.

Flash Flood in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 09:05:00 to 16-JUL-23 10:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: WAITES CORNER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

In Fitchburg, cars were stuck in flood waters at the intersection of Franklin Rd at Royalston St.

Flood in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 07:25:00 to 16-JUL-23 08:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: WESTFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

In Westford, parts of Rt 110 were flooded.

Flash Flood in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 10:25:00 to 16-JUL-23 11:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: RUTLAND HGTS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

In Rutland, Pleasantdale Road was flooded and impassable.

Flash Flood in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 19:02:00 to 16-JUL-23 20:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOMERSET
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

In Somerset, the northbound side of Rt 138 was flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 10:44:00 to 16-JUL-23 11:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: FITCHBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

In Fitchburg there was structural damage to Birch St. Large sections of asphalt were lying on the road with rushing water.

Flash Flood in WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 11:50:00 to 16-JUL-23 12:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: FITCHBURG MUNI ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

In Fitchburg, there were several homes with basement and backyard flooding along Merriam Ave.

Flash Flood in NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 14:10:00 to 16-JUL-23 15:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: STOUGHTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

In Stoughton, Central St at Golden Rd was flooded.

Flash Flood in MIDDLESEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 13:45:00 to 16-JUL-23 14:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEWTON CENTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

In Newton, Homer St was closed due to rapid flooding.

Flash Flood in NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 13:25:00 to 16-JUL-23 14:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: MORRILLS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

In Norwood, Pleasant St was flooded and impassable with one car stuck.

Flash Flood in BRISTOL, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 13:40:00 to 16-JUL-23 14:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTH ATTLEBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

In North Attleborough, Chestnut St was closed due to flooding with cars stuck in the road.

Flash Flood in ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 13:32:00 to 16-JUL-23 14:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYNNFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

In Lynnfield, Durham Dr near Grey Ln had a car stuck in street flooding.

Flood in SUFFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 12:10:00 to 16-JUL-23 13:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRANKLIN PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

In Revere, Rt 1 at Rt 16 had a lane closed due to flooding.

Flash Flood in PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
From 16-JUL-23 19:45:00 to 16-JUL-23 20:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENT PARK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

In Marshfield, Winthrop Dr was flooded and impassable.