Flooding Possible

[Chris Santee]

Flooding possible – Vermonters urged to watch waterways
WATERBURY –The National Weather Service has forecast more rain for Thursday and Friday, which will add to already swollen rivers and streams throughout Vermont. 

NWS has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the entire state – which means conditions may develop that cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly and culverts become overwhelmed in a short period of time.  Please monitor forecasts throughout today and tonight and heed warnings from officials.

The Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service are advising those in low-lying areas to monitor rivers and streams and evacuate to higher ground if necessary or if advised to do so.  Simply put – stay away from floodwaters or any rivers that are swelled.

You should also prepare yourself and your family for the possibility of flooding.

Flood preparation tips:
Never drive or walk through floodwaters.  Unseen washouts or unexpectedly fast running water can carry away an automobile.  Floodwaters also often contain contaminants like wastewater, fuel, or other harmful liquids and solids so stay away if you can.
Monitor radio, television, and newspapers as well as web sites for flood warnings.
Move any vehicles or equipment like lawn mowers or tractors to higher ground.  Flooded vehicles pollute the water with fuel.
If you do evacuate your home, turn off your circuit breaker before you leave and have your home’s electrical system inspected by a professional before you return.

For road conditions call 5-1-1 or visit 511vt.com. 
For personal assistance and resources call 2-1-1; 2-1-1 is a service of the United Way.

For more information on flood preparation you can visit http://vem.vermont.gov or www.ready.gov.

 

[Chris Santee]

Gov. Shumlin and Vermont emergency officials caution of flood potential
Urge Vermonters to be vigilant as weekend rainfall continues
WATERBURY – Gov. Peter  Shumlin and officials with Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the Agency of Transportation today cautioned that weekend rainfall has elevated the risk of flooding across the state, and urged Vermonters to keep an eye on weather reports and local waterways. The Governor said Vermont state agencies are prepared for a weekend response, with the Vermont State Emergency Operations Center remaining open as long as needed.

“I spent part of Friday surveying damage from flash flooding that hit areas of Chittenden County hardest, but now our threat is sustained rainfall that could cause more widespread flooding in others areas of Vermont,” the Governor said. He said Vermonters should continue to drive with caution and avoid water-covered roadways, and keep an eye on local rivers and streams as the rainfall continues as forecast.

The AOT, at the request of the town, today is preparing to temporarily replace a washed out bridge in Westford that has left some homes isolated on one side of a swollen brook on Seymour  Road.

The National Weather Service has forecast long steady rainfall on already saturated ground for the weekend and has issued Flood Watches and Warnings for most of the state (see the forecast at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/).  Heavy wet snow is also expected in higher elevations.

“This is bad news,” Gov. Shumlin said.  “Cities and towns have a long way to go to recover from Thursday night and now they have to wait to see if their work will be washed away or if they will see more destruction.”

After a long day on Friday, AOT districts are on alert and have already deployed resources in anticipation of additional flooding. Some trucks have been prepped for possible plowing in the higher elevations. Traffic controls including high water signs, barrels and blockades are being staged at garages close to potential flood zones, and crews will be patrolling overnight to ensure a speedy and coordinated response to anything that may arise from this storm.

Vermont State Police will call in troopers as needed, and state Swiftwater rescue teams will be pre-deployed as flood prone areas of the state are identified based on rainfall.

Vermonters, including Gov. Shumlin and AOT Secretary Brian Searles, spent Friday surveying the damage caused by flash floods that followed several days of rain and torrential downpours that dropped up to 6 inches of rain in some areas.

A massive effort by AOT resulted in most state roads being made passable by the Friday night commute (only the Maidstone Highway remains closed) and most towns are making significant progress in repairing local roads.

Emergency responders answered calls for rescue from those who found themselves cut off by floodwaters and spent the day providing recovery resources and assistance to cities and towns.

With more flooding expected, Vermonters are encouraged to remain on alert and aware of their surroundings.  If a waterway spills its banks seek higher ground immediately.  Also:

•   Never drive or walk through floodwaters, unseen washouts or swift undercurrents can sweep even a car away.  Simply put, just stay away from floodwaters or swift running rivers.

•   If you live near a major waterway that appears to be rising, chart out an evacuation route and think about where you can go.  If needed, the Red Cross will open shelters for displaced persons.

•   If you evacuate your home and have time to do so, turn off your circuit breaker.  Have a professional inspect your electrical system before reentering your home if it has been flooded.

“We will almost certainly have more damage to repair by the end of the weekend, and we will fix what needs to be fixed,” Gov. Shumlin said.  “But first and foremost we are concerned for the safety of Vermonters.  Take care of yourselves by staying out of harm’s way.”

Media releases will be issued as events dictate, and you can see further updates on state Facebook sites:

DEMHS: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement

VTrans: https://www.facebook.com/pages/VTrans/143848835653728

Vermont State Police: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice

Forecast sites:

National Weather Service Burlington: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/

National Weather Service Albany (Bennington and Windham county forecast office): http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/btv/

For road conditions call 5-1-1 or visit 511vt.com. 

For shelter information or other personal assistance and resources call 2-1-1; 2-1-1 is a service of the United Way.

[Chris Santee]

Flooding in Vermont
WATERBURY – A heavy, steady rain has been falling in most areas of Vermont on Saturday.  The National Weather Service has issued Flood Warnings for Chittenden, Lamoille, extreme southern Franklin, Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties and Flood Watches for most of Vermont.

Vermont Route 128 in Essex and the Maidstone state highway are closed due to water over the roadways.  Further road closures are possible and crews from VTrans are staged and ready to respond.

The Vermont State Police also report concerns with a Beaver Dam above 238 Poker Hill Road in Underhill.  Water is building up there but has not released.  Local fire departments and the State Police are taking necessary actions to warn residents of a possible breach.

Heavy wet snow is also falling in the higher elevations of the state and the National Weather Service says snow loading could bring down tree limbs which brings with it the possibility of power outages.  The state’s utilities have crews ready to respond should there be a problem.

The Vermont Emergency Operations Center will open for state emergency staff this evening and remain open until conditions improve.

[Chris Santee]

Gov. Shumlin, emergency officials announce flood warnings, update on power outages
WATERBURY – Gov. Peter Shumlin and Joe Flynn, director of the Vermont Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, tonight advised Vermonters that rain is still falling across the state and rivers and streams continue to rise.  The National Weather Service has issued Flood Warnings for Chittenden, Lamoille, extreme southern Franklin, Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties and Flood Watches for most of Vermont. In addition, utility companies were warning of power outages due in large part to snowfall at higher elevations. The Vermont Emergency Operations Center is staffed and will remain open for state emergency staff until conditions improve.

As of 8 p.m. tonight, Vermont Route 128 in Essex and the Maidstone state highway were closed due to water over the roadways.  Further road closures are possible and crews from the Vermont Agency of Transportation are ready to respond.  In addition, Green Mountain Power Corporation was reporting just under 3,000 power outages, with Vermont Electric Co-Op and Washington Electric Co-Op also reporting scattered outages.

If you lose power and use a generator, only run it outdoors in a well-ventilated area.  If you see a downed power line, do not go near it and treat all power lines as if they are live.

“One of the worst parts of this storm is that it’s going to cause problems in the areas that saw flooding yesterday,” Gov. Shumlin said. “While there are no serious problems reported at this point, transportation and emergency crews are monitoring the situation closely and ready to move quickly if significant flooding develops. For now, I am urging Vermonters to avoid driving on water-covered roads, keep an eye on weather reports, and prepare for possible power outages overnight."

The Vermont State Police also report concerns with a Beaver Dam above 238 Poker Hill Road in Underhill.  Water is building up there but has not released and no breach is imminent.  Local fire departments and the State Police are monitoring and will alert local residents of protective actions if conditions dictate.

Heavy wet snow is also falling in the higher elevations of the state and the National Weather Service says snow loading could bring down tree limbs and power transmission lines.  There have been a number of power outages throughout the state as a result and utilities have been working to restore service to hit areas and are making good progress.  For an up to date picture please visit www.vtoutages.com.   

“We’ll get through the weather this weekend,” Director Flynn said. "We just need to be safe and take care of those around us.  Stay away from floodwaters and don’t drive over a flooded road.  Like I’ve said, we will fix our roads and restore power, but don’t want anyone to get hurt.”