Parts of Vermont are still facing flood conditions. Read our update from Tuesday afternoon.
[H]eavy rain and snowmelt caused flooding across much of the state Monday morning, with central and southern Vermont being hit the worst.
Many roads have been covered with water in and around Rutland County, with some road shoulders even being washed out entirely, according to Andrea LaRocca, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Burlington.
LaRocca said the flooding is similar in caliber to what Vermont rivers saw in March during the initial snowmelt, but that the causes are different — with the current flooding being mostly rainfall-caused, with snowmelt contributing only in higher elevations.
High water was reported along the Winooski River in central Vermont and in Stockbridge, the White River had overflowed onto Route 107, an area hard hit by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, when many roads were washed out.
She said the NWS got their first report of flooding around 5 a.m., but that the risk of floods will continue into the evening and likely even tomorrow. As far as additional rainfall goes, though, LaRocca said most of the rain has moved out of the area. She said there might be some light showers in the afternoon, and maybe even some snow, but no significant rainfall.
“The health and safety of Vermonters is our number one priority today,” Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement. “State personnel and our partners are working with local responders to that end, and the public can take simple steps to keep themselves safe — we are encouraging everyone to use caution and common sense around floodwaters.”
Mark Bosma, of the Vermont Emergency Operations Center in Waterbury, said with this kind of flooding, the state keeps a number of departments on standby, ready to assist in towns if need be. He said the state is currently working with Vermont Emergency Management, Vermont Fire Safety, Vermont Search and Rescue, Agency of Transportation, Vermont State Police, National Guard, Agency of Human Services, and the Red Cross.
“First and foremost, stay away any flooded areas, particularly roads,” Bosma said. “Keep an eye on the roads. There could be washout or a current much stronger than you — it could think sweep a car away and it could sweep a person away.”
He warned Vermonters to not cross flooded roads, and to monitor the water levels of nearby rivers, being ready to evacuate if water levels get too high.
Bosma said he expects many of the closed roads to open throughout the day as floodwaters subside. He recommended that Vermonters check social media to stay updated on conditions.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture shared aerial footage of flooding in Moretown, Middlesex, Orange and Ryegate:
