Devastating Floods Ravage Vermont: What You Need to Know

What to Know About Vermont’s Devastating Floods

After a powerful storm that dumped as much as nine inches of rain on parts of Vermont, residents in cities and towns across the state are only beginning to grapple with the destruction caused by the flooding unleashed by the deluge.

Though skies have cleared since Monday’s storm, and rivers have crested, officials are warning residents to remain on alert as more rain is expected in the coming days.

Thousands of residents have lost their homes or businesses to the storm. The storm first struck New York State on Sunday, with one death attributed to fast-moving floodwaters there. Within only four hours, more than seven inches of rain fell at West Point. Several train lines in the state, such as Metro-North’s Hudson and Harlem lines, were suspended on Monday as a result of fallen trees, mud, and boulders blocking the tracks.

The system then headed north into New England, causing severe flooding and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes in Vermont.

At least two of Vermont’s rivers – the Winooski, which runs through Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, and the Lamoille – surpassed levels that they had reached during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

The flooding shut down major roads and state highways, and city officials in Montpelier issued an emergency order on Tuesday temporarily closing the flooded downtown area.

Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont described the flooding as “historic and catastrophic” and said on Tuesday that thousands of residents had lost their homes, businesses, and more.

As of Wednesday morning, Vermont officials said that no injuries or deaths had been reported, but they cautioned that rescues were still ongoing.

“I think we all understand that we are now living through the worst natural disaster to impact the state of Vermont since 1927, when dozens of people died,” Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said on Wednesday, referring to the catastrophic floods that hit the state that year.

There had been concerns about dams and other infrastructure. One of the biggest worries this week was whether the Wrightsville Dam, just north of downtown Montpelier, would exceed its capacity.

William Fraser, the Montpelier city manager, had said on Tuesday that the dam was nearly full and could potentially spill into the North Branch River.

By Tuesday afternoon, city officials said that the water was only a foot below the dam’s auxiliary spillway, but that the rate at which the water was rising had slowed.

The water began to drop through the night, though Mr. Scott said on Wednesday that officials would keep a close eye on the dam over the next several days.

The flooding and storm debris also forced the closure of dozens of roads across the state, including Interstate 89, which was shut down on Monday night, stranding many motorists overnight.

The full extent of the damage is not yet known. Officials said Wednesday that they had begun compiling reports of damage and destroyed infrastructure.

But with some areas in Vermont still hard to reach and the damage spread over a large area, officials said they would need time before they could give a full account of the toll on homes, businesses, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

There is more rain in the forecast. According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday is forecast to be generally sunny across Vermont. However, showers and thunderstorms are possible on Thursday, along with a slight risk of excessive rain – described as “a few additional inches” – across much of Vermont, New Hampshire, and eastern New York.

Mr. Scott warned on Wednesday that, though the sun was shining and the water in some areas was receding, the episode was not over.

“With rain in the forecast, and nowhere for it to go, we could see waters rise again,” he said.

What measures are being taken by Vermont officials to address the devastating aftermath of the floods?

Title: Vermont Braces for Severe Aftermath of Devastating Floods

Introduction:

Following a powerful storm that dumped up to nine inches of rain on Vermont, residents are beginning to face the aftermath of the devastating floods. As skies clear, officials warn of the possibility of more rain in the coming days. This article provides an overview of the destruction caused by the floods and the measures being taken to address the situation.

Widespread Destruction:

The storm initially hit New York State, claiming one life due to fast-moving floodwaters. Within hours, over seven inches of rain fell in West Point, leading to the suspension of several train lines. The system then moved north into New England, causing severe flooding and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes in Vermont.

Historic Flooding:

Two rivers in Vermont, the Winooski and the Lamoille, reached levels higher than during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Major roads and state highways were shut down, and city officials in Montpelier issued an emergency order to temporarily close the flooded downtown area. Governor Phil Scott referred to the flooding as “historic and catastrophic” as thousands of residents lost their homes and businesses.

Ongoing Rescue Operations:

Although no injuries or deaths have been reported so far, rescue operations are still underway. Vermont officials caution residents to remain vigilant as more rain could exacerbate the situation. Senator Bernie Sanders emphasizes that this disaster is the worst to impact the state since 1927 when numerous lives were lost.

Conclusion:

As Vermont grapples with the devastating aftermath of the floods, recovery efforts are underway to help affected residents rebuild their lives. The state remains on high alert, prepared to face the challenges brought on by future rainfall.