Catastrophic Flooding in Vermont State Capital Traps Residents and Shuts Down Roadways
MONTPELIER, Vermont – The Vermont state capital of Montpelier is facing a dire situation as “catastrophic” flooding has shut down roadways and trapped residents in their homes. The Wrightsville Dam, located four miles north of Montpelier, is currently at maximum capacity, with city officials warning that a spillway may need to release water into the North Branch of the Winooski River.
The flooding has caused significant damage in Montpelier’s downtown district, with floodwaters reaching the windows of businesses and the tops of vehicles. People have resorted to navigating the submerged streets in canoes. The situation is expected to worsen if the spillway is activated, exacerbating the already severe flooding.
The convergence of the North Branch and a larger branch of the Winooski River near the Vermont statehouse further adds to the potential for flooding in the area. The National Weather Service has described the flooding as “catastrophic,” and Vermont Governor Phil Scott has called it historic.
Search teams have been working tirelessly to rescue trapped residents, with 117 people already saved from their homes and cars by swift boat. However, officials have received reports of more people being trapped in remote areas, making evacuations difficult due to highway closures.
The flooding in Montpelier is said to be the worst since Hurricane Irene hit the state as a tropical storm in 2011, causing extensive damage and claiming seven lives. The city’s topography, with hills surrounding the downtown area in a valley, increases the vulnerability to flooding.
The economic impact of the flooding is also significant, with private forecaster AccuWeather estimating damages and economic losses between $3 billion and $5 billion. Local businesses have suffered, with Boyd Family Farm losing most of its crops and R.K. Miles Building Materials experiencing heavy damage to three of its eight locations.
Despite the devastation, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. Montpelier City Manager William Fraser has urged residents to be prepared to move to the upper floors of their homes as evacuations become increasingly challenging.
The growing frequency and intensity of severe weather events across the United States are believed to be linked to global, human-driven climate change, according to climate scientists. As Vermont battles catastrophic flooding, other parts of the country are grappling with soaring ocean temperatures, heatwaves, and extreme weather conditions.
The state of Vermont and its residents are now focused on recovery and rebuilding efforts, determined to overcome the challenges posed by this historic flooding event.
Reporting by Brian Snider in Montpelier, Brendan O’Brien in Chicago, and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Rachel Nostrant and Daniel Trotta; Writing by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Bill Berkrot, and Sandra Maler
How are emergency services working around the clock to rescue residents trapped in their homes due to the catastrophic flooding in Montpelier?
Around the clock to rescue residents who are trapped in their homes due to the catastrophic flooding. Emergency services have been deployed to assist in evacuating those in danger and providing them with essential supplies.
The flooding has not only affected the residents of Montpelier but has also caused major road closures, making transportation in and out of the city impossible. This has further hindered rescue efforts and the delivery of emergency provisions.
The Wrightsville Dam, which is crucial in preventing flooding, is currently at maximum capacity. City officials are closely monitoring the situation and have warned that if the dam’s spillway is activated, it could worsen the flooding by releasing water into the already overwhelmed North Branch of the Winooski River.
The downtown district of Montpelier has been hit hard by the flooding, with floodwaters reaching alarming heights. Businesses have suffered significant damage, and vehicles have been partially or fully submerged. Residents have resorted to using canoes to navigate the inundated streets in an attempt to salvage belongings or seek higher ground.
The convergence of the North Branch and the larger branch of the Winooski River near the Vermont statehouse intensifies the risk of further flooding. The National Weather Service has labeled the situation as “catastrophic,” emphasizing the severity of the ongoing disaster. Governor Phil Scott has described the flooding as historic, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the current crisis.
In order to mitigate the impact of the flooding and provide assistance to affected residents, search teams have been tirelessly working to rescue those trapped. Efforts are underway to mobilize additional resources and aid from neighboring areas to overcome the challenges posed by the cataclysmic flooding.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents anxiously await relief from the flooding that has ravaged their city. The hope remains that prompt action and a coordinated response will enable the affected community to recover swiftly from this devastating natural disaster.
This is a clear reminder of the urgent need for infrastructure investment to better prepare our states for extreme weather events. The flood at Vermont State Capital highlights the consequences of delayed action and should serve as a wake-up call for immediate measures to mitigate future flooding risks.
It’s disheartening to witness the historic flooding in Vermont’s state capital due to the dam reaching its maximum capacity. Urgent measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further damage to the city’s infrastructure.