Flood-Ravaged Vermont Braces for More Heavy Rain as Cleanup Efforts Continue
As Vermont and New York’s Hudson Valley work tirelessly to recover from the devastating floods that occurred over the weekend, forecasters are closely monitoring the potential for more heavy rain in the coming days. The National Weather Service has issued a Level 2 out of 4 risk for excessive rainfall on Thursday, which will extend into Friday for Vermont and areas to the east.
Meteorologists at the Weather Service warn that there is a high chance of continued rainfall through the weekend and possibly beyond. With rainfall already causing extreme flooding in Vermont, Governor Phil Scott expressed concerns about rising water levels with more rain in the forecast.
The recent flooding in Vermont is being described as the worst since Hurricane Irene in 2011 and the great flood of 1927 in some areas. The state experienced rainfall ranging from 5 to 7 inches, with localized areas receiving up to 9 inches. The Hudson Valley, on the other hand, saw severe flooding triggered by 6 to 8 inches of rain.
Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in Vermont due to the flooding as of Wednesday morning. However, there have been over 200 rescues and 100 evacuations since Sunday. The hardest-hit area, Lamoille County, has seen ongoing water rescues, with emergency responders saving 32 people and numerous animals overnight.
Despite multiple communities being under boil-water notices, power outages in the state have dropped to less than 1,000, according to Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison. President Biden has issued an emergency declaration for Vermont, and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has stated that damage assessments are currently underway.
Senator Peter Welch has called for increased funding for FEMA, citing the unprecedented number of national disasters the agency is dealing with. He acknowledged that every Vermonter affected by the flooding faces a tough road to recovery but emphasized that the recovery efforts have already begun.
One area of concern addressed by officials is the Wrightsville Dam in Montpelier. Vermont Emergency Management Interim Director Eric Forand clarified that misinformation about the dam’s failure or imminent failure was not accurate. He assured the public that the dam was working as intended and had stabilized, although it continues to be closely monitored.
The flooding has had a significant impact on Vermont’s transportation infrastructure, with 46 roads remaining closed and only seven partially open as of Wednesday. However, water levels have been receding across most of Vermont and the Hudson Valley, and the Weather Service forecasts mostly dry weather on Wednesday, except for a few isolated showers and storms.
Thursday is expected to bring numerous showers and storms to the Northeast, particularly in the latter half of the day. The Weather Service warns that these storms could bring rainfall rates of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour, with peak totals exceeding 2 to 3 inches in locations where storms persist. The soil in the region is already saturated, meaning even modest amounts of rain could trigger further flooding.
The threat of flooding will shift eastward on Friday, with Vermont, Connecticut, western Maine, and eastern Massachusetts at higher risk. This additional rainfall, combined with already saturated soils, could result in flash flooding and drop up to 3 or more inches of rain in certain areas.
Over the weekend, rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are forecasted for parts of New York and New England, with additional rain expected through Monday and possibly beyond. The current weather pattern, caused by a slow-moving front caught between high and low-pressure zones, is responsible for the significant moisture surges driving these heavy rains.
Residents and authorities in flood-affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Despite the challenges ahead, the resilience and determination of the affected communities, along with the support from federal agencies and local officials, will undoubtedly aid in their recovery.
