Vermont's summer floods strike again, washing out roads and homes
Fire Chief Kyle Seymour described how the "incredibly strong, quick-moving" storm overwhelmed culverts and streams within an hour. While less widespread than 2023's catastrophic floods, this marks the third consecutive year of major summer flooding, leaving officials exhausted.
Vermont's steep valleys and wetter climate make it a flooding hotspot, explains the National Weather Service. Rainfall has increased by 6 inches annually since the 1960s, while mountainous terrain funnels water into narrow lowland communities.
Thursday's downpour stemmed from tropical moisture colliding with a stalled front, similar to 2023's disaster.
In Lyndonville, floodwaters ripped foundations from homes so quickly that one house began collapsing during a rescue. "That house was heading into the river soon," Fire Chief Jeff Corrow said after helping evacuate a couple and their dog.
Scientists warn such events may increase by 52% by 2100 as climate change intensifies downpours.
For families like Michael and Margaret Fix, the floods brought terror and uncertainty. The Sutton couple, who once helped flood victims, fled upstairs as water filled their downstairs, awaiting rescue crews who guided them out a window. Now, they face rebuilding without flood insurance.
Statewide, damage assessments continue, but early reports show washed-out roads in Lyndon, Stowe, and the Northeast Kingdom. In Addison County, high winds tore off part of a high school roof.
The emotional toll runs deep: "It's horrible we're hit again," said Sutton resident Lydia Mello, surveying her neighbor's foundationless home.
Vermont is racing to adapt amid recurring floods. After 2023's disaster, the state passed the Flood Safety Act to limit riverside development starting in 2028.
Programs like RIVER (Resilience Initiative for Vermont Empowerment and Recovery) help towns pursue buyouts, federally funded home demolitions that convert flood zones to open space.
But with over 300 buyout applications pending and Vermont's severe housing shortage, relocating residents remains challenging.
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Mint
13 hours ago
- Mint
Vermont's summer floods strike again, washing out roads and homes
Vermont faced another summer of flash floods Thursday as up to 5 inches of rain fell in just hours, overwhelming rivers and roads. The small town of Sutton saw nearly 20 homes cut off when Calendar Brook overflowed, trapping residents who needed rescue by swift-water teams from neighboring towns. Fire Chief Kyle Seymour described how the "incredibly strong, quick-moving" storm overwhelmed culverts and streams within an hour. While less widespread than 2023's catastrophic floods, this marks the third consecutive year of major summer flooding, leaving officials exhausted. Vermont's steep valleys and wetter climate make it a flooding hotspot, explains the National Weather Service. Rainfall has increased by 6 inches annually since the 1960s, while mountainous terrain funnels water into narrow lowland communities. Thursday's downpour stemmed from tropical moisture colliding with a stalled front, similar to 2023's disaster. In Lyndonville, floodwaters ripped foundations from homes so quickly that one house began collapsing during a rescue. "That house was heading into the river soon," Fire Chief Jeff Corrow said after helping evacuate a couple and their dog. Scientists warn such events may increase by 52% by 2100 as climate change intensifies downpours. For families like Michael and Margaret Fix, the floods brought terror and uncertainty. The Sutton couple, who once helped flood victims, fled upstairs as water filled their downstairs, awaiting rescue crews who guided them out a window. Now, they face rebuilding without flood insurance. Statewide, damage assessments continue, but early reports show washed-out roads in Lyndon, Stowe, and the Northeast Kingdom. In Addison County, high winds tore off part of a high school roof. The emotional toll runs deep: "It's horrible we're hit again," said Sutton resident Lydia Mello, surveying her neighbor's foundationless home. Vermont is racing to adapt amid recurring floods. After 2023's disaster, the state passed the Flood Safety Act to limit riverside development starting in 2028. Programs like RIVER (Resilience Initiative for Vermont Empowerment and Recovery) help towns pursue buyouts, federally funded home demolitions that convert flood zones to open space. But with over 300 buyout applications pending and Vermont's severe housing shortage, relocating residents remains challenging.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Williamson County officials give a flooding update, cleanup assistance hotline setup
The 'catastrophic' floods that ravaged Williamson County and other parts of Central Texas over the July 4 weekend have killed at least 120 people in the state. Williamson County officials say they are now down to one missing person from the weekend floods. With more than 120 lives lost, including children, and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed, the community faces an uphill battle to recover. This tragedy has also sparked significant conversations about disaster preparedness and the availability of federal aid for affected communities. ALSO READ: Trump's State department firing begins: Over 1,300 jobs slashed in latest layoff wave Woman swept away in flood The 64-year-old Sherry Richardson dialled 911 around 3.30 am Saturday to seek help as water started coming into her home in Liberty Hill. While she was still on the phone with a dispatcher, the water began creeping up the stairs of the cabin where she lived so she retreated to the second floor, said her daughter Deliah Greenslet, according to Autsin-American Statesman. The dispatcher lost contact with Richardson about 15 minutes after the call began, said Greenslet. Live Events "There was 30 feet of water in her house," said Greenslet. She said he later found out that the whole cabin was swept away with her mother inside of it into a creek that fed into the San Gabriel River. Searchers on Sunday found Richardson's body and the remains of her beloved Yorkie, Omie Mae, about a mile from where her house originally stood, Greenslet said. "I am heartbroken," said Greenslet. ALSO READ: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused of adultery in divorce petition. Did his secret affair break his marriage? "Mom was my best friend and confidante and the rock for our family, and I will really miss her," she said. "She loved music, she loved the Beatles and she had a tattoo of some of the Beatles lyrics on her." She said she was never alerted about the potential flooding in the area but if she had known she would have asked her mother to spend the night with her. She said she knows there have been budget cuts at the National Weather Service and feels like its being dismantled. "What can we do as a nation, as a country to prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future?" she said. "Why don't we have warning systems that are better than phones saying there's a flash flood warning?" As of Wednesday, July 9, Williamson County has confirmed a total of three deaths, according to Fox7 Austin. There were 54 structures that were destroyed or severely damaged by floodwaters. The focus is now on documenting residential damage. Debris removal sites and dumpsters are being set up around Liberty Hill. ALSO READ: White House under fire for bizarre 'Superman Trump' image, Internet says 'delete this, it's cringe' The county has set up a cleanup assistance hotline at 512-201-4814. County Judge Steven Snell and EMA Director Bruce Clements said the search is going on in Leander and urged those coming to help with the clean-up to work with recognized organizations. "If you want to volunteer, please don't freelance and go out on your own. It can be dangerous out there, so please be part of an organized effort that's already underway. There are trusted folks who are there to organize and give you safety gear, people like the Austin Disaster Relief Network at and there are others as well. But find an organized effort and don't go out on your own, because that can really be rather dangerous," said Clements.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Maryland weather radar: Baltimore, Washington DC, Columbia under flash flood warning - Here's what to know
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Sterling, Virginia on Wednesday issued Flash Flood Warnings for parts of Maryland, Washington DC, and northern Virginia, including Baltimore, Columbia, and Washington DC, due to severe thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall. A flash flood warning was issued for Washington DC, Baltimore and other regions(Unsplash) Flash Flood Warning Details Howard County and South Central Carroll County (Including Columbia): Issued: 6:06 PM EDT, July 9, 2025, until 9:15 PM EDT. Conditions: Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 1–3 inches of rain already, with an additional 1–2 inches possible at rates of 1–2 inches per hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or imminent. Affected Areas: Columbia, Eldersburg, Sykesville, Burtonsville, Fulton, Highland, Glenelg, West Friendship, Glenwood, Dayton, Gaither, Roxbury Mills, Henryton, Clarksville, Marriottsville, Lisbon, Woodbine, Woodstock, Poplar Springs. Impact: Flash flooding of small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and other low-lying or poorly drained areas. District of Columbia, South Central Montgomery County, Arlington County, Northeastern Fairfax County, Alexandria, Falls Church: Issued: 5:44 PM EDT, July 9, 2025, until 8:45 PM EDT. Conditions: Thunderstorms are expected to produce 1–3 inches of rain at rates of 1–2 inches in 20 minutes, with flash flooding ongoing or expected soon. Affected Areas: Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Annandale, Springfield, Fort Washington, Fort Hunt, Vienna, Groveton, Falls Church, Huntington, Coral Hills, Mantua, Fort Belvoir, Pimmit Hills, National Harbor, Rosslyn, Crystal City, McLean, Reagan National Airport. Impact: Similar to Howard County, flash flooding will affect creeks, streams, urban infrastructure, and low-lying areas, posing risks to transportation and property. Baltimore and Surrounding Areas: A Flood Watch remains in effect for Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Northern and Southern Baltimore Counties, and other areas until midnight EDT. Radar indicates heavy rain across the Baltimore/Washington metro area, with 2–3 inches per hour rainfall rates possible, increasing flash flood risks. Why Flash Flooding Is Happening A strong frontal system is moving through the Mid-Atlantic, bringing scattered severe thunderstorms with heavy to excessive rainfall. Rainfall rates of 1–3 inches per hour are driving flash flood risks, particularly in urban areas with poor drainage. Doppler radar shows a convergence zone south of Baltimore, with bands of heavy rain moving west and east, enhanced by the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal. This has led to 2–3 inches per hour rainfall rates across the I-95 corridor, including Baltimore, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. Safety and Preparedness Actions Avoid Flooded Areas: Do not drive through flooded roads or low-lying areas. Even shallow water can sweep vehicles away. Prepare for Outages: Charge devices, secure outdoor items, and have emergency supplies ready in case of power disruptions. Seek Shelter: If severe thunderstorms escalate (a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 PM EDT), stay indoors away from windows due to risks of damaging winds and potential tornadoes.
