The agency predicted rain would fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, potentially overwhelming small creeks and streams, streets, highways and underpasses, as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Boston, Quincy, Brockton, and other South Shore communities are under a flood watch until 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Portions of Interstate 93, a 190-mile-long highway that connects Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, were closed because of flooding, the Massachusetts State Police said. Several vehicles were stranded on the highway because of floodwaters, local news media reported.