Merrimack River at Lawrence, MA

The last 7 days and the forecast

NWS forecast issued Sun, Dec 31, 7 PM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.

Flood stages

What floods at each level

From the National Weather Service, highest first.

• 36 ftThis is a major, life threatening flood. People in flood prone areas should prepare to evacuate. Follow the directions of local officials. Serious flood impacts are expected at some factories along the river. In addition, major backwater flooding is expected on the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Know alternate routes of travel to avoid flooded areas, and bridges that may be shut down.
• 34 ftFlooding occurs on low lying roads and homes, as well as lower levels of buildings along the river's historic industrial corridor. This includes portions of Riverview Street and 90 Sutton Street in North Andover, and the Riverwalk Complex in Lawrence. Substantial backwater flooding is expected on the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. This includes Route 114 at I-495 Exit 42 and Mass Ave and Commonwealth Ave at I-495.
• 32 ftModerate flooding is expected in Lawrence and North Andover. Some roads and homes along the river, as well as lower levels of factory buildings and low lying parking lots along the river's historic industrial corridor, are expected to experience flooding. In North Andover, North Main Street and Riverview as well as 90 Sutton Street are impacted. Backwater flooding on the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover.
• 30 ftFloodwaters affect some businesses and parking lots in Lawrence and North Andover. In North Andover, the Merrimack River affects properties in the vicnity of North Main Street and Riverview, as well as 90 Sutton Street. Backwater flooding into the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Areas affected by backwater flooding include Route 114 nearest to the river, Mass Ave at I-495, and homes in the vicinity of Glenwood, Elmwood and Fernwood Streets.
• 29 ftFloodwaters affect some businesses and parking lots in Lawrence and North Andover. In North Andover, the Merrimack River affects properties in the vicnity of North Main Street and Riverview, as well as 90 Sutton Street. Backwater flooding into the lower Shawsheen River is expected in Lawrence, North Andover and Andover. Areas affected by backwater flooding include Route 114 nearest to the river, Mass Ave at I-495, and homes in the vicinity of Glenwood, Elmwood and Fernwood Streets.
• 28 ftLowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses and associated parking lots along the river. Backwater flooding along the Shawsheen River may result in flood impacts along lower Glenwood Street in North Andover, as well as businesses on Route 114 on the Lawrence-North Andover town line that are adjacent to the river.
• 26 ftMinor lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses along the river susceptible to basement flooding. In addition, backwater flooding may occur in the lower Shawsheen River area in Lawrence and North Andover. First imapcts include very lowest lying parking lots for businesses on Route 114 adjacent to the river.
• 24 ftMinor lowland flooding is expected along the Merrimack River near Lawrence. This will affect some businesses along the river susceptible to basement flooding. In addition, backwater flooding may occur along the lower Shawsheen River in Lawrence and North Andover. First impacts include very lowest lying parking lot flooding for businesses on Route 114 adjacent to the river.

Highest crests on record

1. 25.37 ft — December 20, 2023
2. 22.6 ft — April 28, 2019
3. 22.48 ft — April 1, 2014

Recent crests: 25.37 ft (December 20, 2023) · 22.6 ft (April 28, 2019) · 22.48 ft (April 1, 2014)

Up and down the river, and nearby

• Shawsheen River at Andover, MA
• Spicket River near Methuen, NH
• Merrimack River at Lowell, MA
• Concord River at Lowell, MA
• Shawsheen River at Wilmington, MA
• Spicket River at North Salem, NH
• Beaver Brook at North Pelham, NH
• Ipswich River at Ipswich, MA