The historic and catastrophic flooding in Vermont which is said to have been caused by heavy rainstorms, but more reasons behind the flooding, its devastating effects, and the ongoing challenges faced by the state have been discovered.
Vermont is currently grappling with an unprecedented flooding crisis triggered by relentless rainfall, leading to severe consequences for the state. Governor Phil Scott, in a media briefing on Tuesday, described the flooding as “historic and catastrophic,” emphasizing that the situation is far from resolved. With more rain expected in the coming days, the threat looms large over Vermont’s communities and vital infrastructure.
Vermont’s Deluge: A Disaster In The Making
The northeastern region of the United States has experienced an onslaught of rainstorms, wreaking havoc on towns in New England and posing a significant risk to the Wrightsville Dam, which shields Montpelier, the capital of Vermont, from potential inundation. Recent reports by USA TODAY highlight the alarming scale of the crisis, with approximately 4 million individuals in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine facing flood warnings, watches, or alerts. However, it appears that Vermont is bearing the brunt of this calamity.
Montpelier: A City Submerged
Montpelier, already grappling with severe flooding, is witnessing a catastrophe comparable only to the infamous Flood of 1927, the most devastating natural disaster in Vermont’s history. The Winooski River in Montpelier has surged to levels surpassing even those witnessed during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, underscoring the severity of the current situation. Astonishingly, Plymouth, a town in Vermont, has reported a staggering nine inches of rainfall, while more than 30 other towns recorded rainfall amounts exceeding six inches. These torrential downpours have left over 6,500 customers without power, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected communities.
Wrightsville Dam: An Impending Threat
The water levels at the Wrightsville Dam have reached a critical point, standing a mere 2.2 feet from the spillway as of early Tuesday, with a rising trend. The potential overflow from the dam could unleash a substantial surge of water into Montpelier, exacerbating the already extensive flood damage. City Manager William Fraser, alerting the residents through a Facebook post, emphasized the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for preparedness.
Unprecedented Rainfall In The Northeast
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveals the astonishing extent of rainfall in parts of Vermont, amounting to a staggering 600% of the average precipitation during the seven days leading up to July 11.
These alarming figures underscore the extraordinary nature of the rainstorms battering the region. Consequently, flash flood warnings and advisories have been issued across Vermont, with the closure of major thoroughfares such as Interstate 89 between Montpelier and Middlesex. The state police have reported the closure of numerous other roads due to hazardous conditions.
Stabilizing Dam Conditions
Thankfully, conditions at two other crucial Vermont dams, namely the Ball Mountain Dam in Jamaica and the Townshend Dam in the Townshend/Windham area, have started to improve. Earlier concerns regarding the release of substantial water volumes have been mitigated, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated on Twitter Monday night that the water release would be smaller than initially anticipated. This development brings a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming challenges faced by the state.
Connecticut River’s Sudden Rise
In addition to Vermont’s struggles, neighboring New Hampshire has also witnessed a dramatic rise in water levels. The Connecticut River in West Lebanon experienced a surge of over 14 feet on Monday, as reported by a gauge maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey. However, the river has since crested and begun to recede, offering a sigh of relief to the affected communities.
Vermont’s ongoing battle against historic flooding demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure. With the situation still unfolding and more rain predicted, staying informed and prepared is of paramount importance. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger. Let us stand united with the resilient people of Vermont during these testing times.
