Heavy rain early Tuesday led to flash flooding and about two dozen rescues in northern Vermont, just weeks after the state was hit by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl. Some areas received 6 to 8 inches of rain, causing significant damage to roads and structures. Flash flood warnings were in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
A team is assessing the damage, which includes structural and road damage. Areas such as Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury were particularly affected, with reports of broken culverts and separated roads. Police issued a 'shelter in place' advisory for St. Johnsbury, and swift water rescue teams conducted approximately two dozen rescues overnight.
In Lyndonville, a resident described waking up to find a neighbor alerting him to the flooding, with roads completely submerged by the rushing water. The state capital, Montpelier, was about 40 miles south of the heavily impacted areas.
Residents recalled the previous flooding in July as a 'wake-up call,' with some homes that were damaged then now being washed away. The emergency management agency is still gathering information on the extent of the damage in Lyndonville and St. Johnsbury.
Gov. Phil Scott urged residents to respect road closures and detours and to avoid walking or driving through floodwaters. More rain was expected, increasing the risk of further flash flooding in the already impacted areas.
This recent flooding comes after Vermont experienced major flooding earlier in July from Hurricane Beryl, which destroyed roads, bridges, and farms. The state is no stranger to severe weather events, having faced severe flooding exactly a year prior.
