August 8, 2025
Sadly, flash flood disasters are becoming far too frequent these days. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but in a matter of minutes my design studio and the headquarters of my business for nearly 10 years, was totally destroyed. Close to five feet of water and mud rushed through the building...it was sickening to survey the damage.
On August 8, 2023, a significant flash flood impacted North Andover, Massachusetts, causing substantial damage to businesses and homes along High Street and the North Andover mill complex. Heavy rainfall, exceeding 7 inches in some areas, led to the overflow of a mill pond, breaching a wall and sending torrents of water through the area. Businesses, restaurants and residences were severely damaged, and tenants were safely evacuated. Cleanup and recovery efforts were expected to take months.
The flooding was triggered by a severe storm system that brought intense rainfall to the Merrimack Valley. The overflowing mill pond behind the North Andover mill complex, which is a collection of businesses and loft apartments, was a major source of the floodwater. Water levels rose quickly, The force of the water was so strong that it broke through windows and caused significant damage to structures and contents of business could be seen spilling out onto the street.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated damage:
- Public buildings: Nearly $3.4 million in damage was reported, including town and school buildings.
- Businesses: 56 businesses reported approximately $21.6 million in damages.
- Homes: 309 homes were estimated to have suffered almost $5 million in damages.
- Other damage: Roads were washed away, foundations were damaged, and there were power outages.
The flooding also impacted the local railroad and a historic cemetery.
I will admit I shed some tears because anything the water touched had to be discarded. I lost close to 200K in merchandise that was on the premises to be photographed. Thankfully, most of my designs were in another location - a dry warehouse. But it wasn't my home, no one was hurt and I have been through far worse events. We salvaged everything above the waterline and decided to move on. I couldn't risk another event like this one
The design studio, staged for a shopping event, in happier days before the flood.
