Massachusetts and Rhode Island hit by flooding after storm

Vehicles make their way along Lancaster Street, Leominster, during heavy rain (Rick Cinclair/Worcester Telegram & Gazette via AP)

Heavy rainfall has flooded parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with one city declaring a state of emergency as water poured into homes and stranded drivers.

Mayor Dean Mazzarella in Leominster, about 40 miles north west of Boston, urged people not to venture outside as roads were flooded on Monday night but some residents were evacuated as water came into their basements.