Vermont issues flash flood emergency after nearly 8 inches of rain fall in hours
Vermont issued two flash flood emergency warnings early Tuesday morning after storms swept through the region, dumping nearly 8 inches of rain in some areas.
British stone. Johnsbury, Vermont – Residents in Vermont’s northeastern Kingdom have been warned to seek higher ground after heavy rain caused two rare flash flood emergencies in the region early Tuesday morning as rivers and streams overflowed their banks and floodwaters poured into communities.
“Unfortunately, considerable localized catastrophic flash flooding occurred overnight in portions of Caledonia County and the Northeast Kingdom,” the National Weather Service office in Burlington said.
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A road is flooded in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. (St. Johnsbury Police Department/Facebook)
Heavy rain and thunderstorms moved across northern New England Monday into Tuesday morning, dumping several inches of rain in a short period of time.
The Fox Forecast Center said 7.97 inches of rain fell in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, in six hours starting around 11 p.m. Monday, a month's worth of rain in just two hours.
This resulted in a flash flood emergency in parts of Caledonia County, including St. Johnsbury and Danville, Vermont, until 8:15 a.m. local time.
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Floods destroy roads, bridges, provide shelter
Vast swaths of roadway have been washed away after catastrophic flooding in the St. Johnsbury, Vermont, area. (St. Johnsbury Police Department/Facebook)
Flash flooding in parts of northern Vermont has washed away roads and bridges across the region, and police have told residents in St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville to shelter in place and not travel unless their safety is at risk. Water rescues were also reported in the area.
“This is an especially hazardous situation,” the National Weather Service said. “Seek higher ground now. Life-threatening flash flooding can occur at low-water intersections, creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. “
National Weather Service improves flood warnings
Rocks and debris were seen in the water beneath a road near St. Johnsbury, Vermont. (St. Johnsbury Police Department/Facebook)
A second flash flood emergency is in effect for parts of Essex and Orleans counties in northeastern Vermont, including communities such as Morgan Center, and will remain in effect until at least 8:15 a.m. local time.
The NWS said it has extended a flash flood warning for the area until at least 10:45 a.m., although most of the precipitation has passed.
“The rainfall has ended, but excess runoff continues through streams, creeks and rivers,” the National Weather Service said. “Flash flooding continues.”
