Torrential Rain Threatens to Overwhelm Dam and Shutter Vermont’s Capital

Torrential rain has brought catastrophic flooding to Vermont, cutting off the state’s capital, Montpelier, from the rest of the state and trapping some residents in their homes. The storm, which has dumped up to two months’ worth of rain in just two days, has also shut down roadways and left many communities marooned by high water.

The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings and advisories across Vermont, calling the inundation “catastrophic.” The city of Montpelier, with a population of around 8,000, is particularly vulnerable as the Wrightsville dam, which is just one foot from capacity, threatens to overflow. “There would be a large amount of water coming into Montpelier, which would drastically add to the existing flood damage,” warned City Manager Bill Fraser.

Residents in at-risk areas are being urged to seek safety on upper floors and to be prepared for evacuation if necessary. With so many roads closed, including several major highways along the spine of the Green Mountains, rescue crews are having to navigate treacherous waters to reach stranded residents. Already, over 100 people have been rescued, including state representative Kelly Pajala, who was forced to evacuate her apartment building in Londonderry after the West River rose to its doorstep.

The flooding has also disrupted essential services, with dispatch, police, and fire operations relocated to a water treatment plant and radio towers used for emergency calls rendered inoperable. Montpelier’s police chief, Eric Nordenson, warned that the situation is precarious, with very few evacuation options remaining.

Meanwhile, neighboring states are also grappling with the aftermath of the storm, with flash flood warnings and advisories issued for parts of New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The National Weather Service has warned that the storm is far from over, with more rain forecast for Thursday.

Experts say that the destructive flooding is a result of storms forming in a warmer atmosphere, making extreme rainfall a reality. As the climate continues to change, these types of events are likely to become more frequent and intense, posing a significant threat to communities across the region.

As the people of Vermont struggle to come to terms with the devastating impact of the storm, Governor Phil Scott has declared a state of emergency and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help coordinate disaster relief efforts. The White House has also pledged to continue monitoring the situation and providing support to those affected.