Lawrence, MA - Sewage backups caused by the rising Merrimack River, which had swollen to more than 7 feet above flood stage Monday, forced Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins to evacuate 151 prisoners from a minimum-security jail in Lawrence to the city-owned Jewish Community Center.

“We are hopeful they will be there no longer than 24 to 36 hours,” spokesman Paul Fleming said. “We're trying to get it taken care of, but the river keeps rising.”