Charles Krupa/AP
Mud and flooding block a street as cleanup efforts begin in Barre, Vermont.
CNN
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Dangerous weather could bring more flash flooding to Vermont — just as the state begins its long recovery Devastating rains inundated the region Earlier this week.
At least one person has died in recent storms and flooding, the Vermont Department of Health said in a news release. Stephen Davol, 63, “died July 12 in a drowning accident at his home,” the release said. No further details were provided.
And the National Weather Service warned that severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hail and even tornadoes could hit Vermont on Thursday.
Crews have completed rescue efforts for residents caught in floodwaters, and there are no deaths or ongoing work related to previous rounds of storms, Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Jennifer Morrison said Thursday.
Southern Vermont faces the risk of moderate showers and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and continuing overnight, the weather service said. Very much The state is already waterlogged A new flood watch is in place.
The weather service warned of 1.5 to 2 inches of rain in parts of Vermont, New Hampshire and New York. While Vermont’s precipitation totals are expected to be lower than they were for the week, soils are saturated and rivers are still running high, making the area more prone to flooding.
Most of the dangerous weather is expected between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, Morrison said, when the chances of localized flash flooding are highest.
“It’s not expected to be a repeat of Monday and Tuesday, but it’s dangerous in areas that experience flash flooding,” he said.
Another round of heavy rain will hit the state on Sunday, Gov. Bill Scott said Thursday.
“It’s not over, and it won’t be over after this storm,” he warned.
Brian Snyder/Reuters
The streets of Montpelier, Vermont have been flooded by recent rains.
“Today I am submitting a request to President Biden for a major disaster declaration that, if approved, will provide federal disaster relief funding that will greatly assist communities in the recovery phase,” Scott added.
Biden approved an initial emergency declaration for Vermont Tuesday, setting the aid process in motion.
Officials are now urging residents not to put themselves or first responders at risk by ignoring road closures or taking unnecessary chances around floodwaters.
“They’re filled with oil, gas, sewage, chemicals, etc. They’re foul and nasty,” Morrison said. Do not let your children play in rainwater.
Vermont is still reeling from devastating flooding that turned streets into rivers and flowed through buildings, leaving many trapped in their homes and cars. More than 200 people have been rescued since Sunday, Morrison said Wednesday.
John Tully for The Washington Post/Getty Images
Members of the Colchester Technical Rescue team responded to the call in Montpelier, Vermont.
“Those returning to flooded homes should exercise caution when entering. “Do not turn on your circuit breaker or use any power sources until you have your system checked by a licensed electrician,” he said.
The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency traveled to Vermont to survey the damage and urged residents to be aware of post-flood hazards.
“It only takes about 6 inches of water to wipe someone’s feet,” FEMA Administrator Dean Criswell said Wednesday.
“In that water, we see a lot of debris. We see downed power lines. We see things that could cause additional damage.
Other states have also sent personnel to Vermont to help with rescue efforts.
Even with all the help, it will take years — if not a decade — for Vermont to recover, Morrison said.
