Heavy rain in central Vermont led to flash flooding and numerous evacuations and rescues overnight, affecting towns that were hit hard by flooding the year before. The storm, which occurred a year after a devastating flood, caused mud and debris to cover roads in Barre, Vt.
The extreme weather resulted in one death in the state, although the cause has not been confirmed. The incident happened when a vehicle was swept into floodwater in Peacham, east of Montpelier. The heavy rainfall, attributed to remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl, reached up to 5 or 6 inches in some areas and was expected to continue. The National Weather Service in Burlington issued an “excessive rainfall risk” warning through Friday morning for Burlington, Middlebury, Stowe, and Montpelier.
A flood watch was in place for much of Vermont and northern New York, with two rivers yet to crest. Three bridges were destroyed, and three others were damaged due to floodwaters in various locations. Officials emphasized the ongoing danger and advised residents to steer clear of rivers due to hazardous debris.
Barre, a city next to Montpelier, was hit hard by the flooding, with reports of Main Street being underwater once again. Swift-water rescue teams, including those from New Hampshire and Connecticut, conducted 118 rescues from Wednesday into Thursday. Rescue operations were ongoing in Lyndonville, northeast of Montpelier.
In response to the traumatic events, mental health counselors were deployed to assist affected residents in some communities. Governor Phil Scott expressed his support for those impacted and assured that emergency responders and local leaders were working tirelessly to ensure public safety and aid in the recovery process.
Jenna Russell, the lead reporter covering New England for The Times, emphasized the devastating impact of the flooding on families, business owners, and community members. The state government and emergency responders are working diligently to address the aftermath of the flash flooding and provide necessary support to those affected.