A flood watch is in effect for most of Vermont, except for the Champlain Valley and Champlain Islands.
The flood watch will remain active through late Sunday night, according to the Weather Service. The agency expects 1 to 2 inches of rain today, with potential for more in some areas due to thunderstorms rolling in later in the day.
“With that, there’s concern obviously with seeing some localized flash flooding. As we’ve seen with intense rainfall over the last two weeks, the ground is saturated. Rivers are still running high, so you need less precipitation for responses,” says Marlon Verasamy, a meteorologist with the Weather Service’s Burlington office.
Low-lying areas near waterways are particularly at risk.
Public safety officials are urging Vermonters to avoid driving on flooded roads. A foot of water can sweep away a car, according to the Weather Service.
Recent heavy rainfall has also increased the chances of landslides, according to the state Agency of Natural Resources. The agency says landslides don't depend on river levels, but could be triggered by 3 to 5 inches of rain. That likelihood increases where the ground is already saturated.
A landslide Friday night hit several homes in Ripton. According to the Weather Service, one home was destroyed and several others were impacted around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Tim Hanson, a member of the Ripton Selectboard and the town's road commissioner, said “maybe between five and 10” houses were evacuated in the middle of the night.
Vermonters experiencing a life-threatening landslide should dial 911. For non-emergencies, they can report a landslide online to the Vermont Geological Survey
Vermont Emergency Management also recommends signing up for VT-Alert to be notified of general public safety emergencies.
Disaster relief in Montpelier-Barre area
The City of Montpelier is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offer resources to people impacted by flooding.
Officials are operating a Multi Agency Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at BOR/Auditorium, located at 16 Auditorium Hill in Barre.
That's where local and state agencies and human service organizations are answering questions and providing information and disaster-related assistance, according to a news release.
This week, FEMA officials will be going door to door registering residents for disaster assistance. They'll be be wearing blue vests or shirts with FEMA lettering and they'll have FEMA IDs on lanyards.
Officials say to look out for fraudulent individuals pretending to be federal officials in hopes of scamming disaster victims.
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Flooding recovery assistance and other key resources
- To apply for federal financial assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
- Is your community under a boil-water notice? Find a statewide list here.
- For state road closure information, visit newengland511.org or @511VT on Twitter. To check the status of your town's local roads, consult your town website or social media.
- School activities and child care program closures are collected here.
- Find the latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers from the National Weather Service.
- Are you returning to flooded property? Get tips on what to expect and how to stay safe while cleaning your home or car and how to deal with trash and debris.
- Here are tips for avoiding scams that can crop up after a disaster.
- Flood safety tips have been translated into 16 languages here.
- The Vermont Professionals of Color Network is connecting BIPOC Vermonters with recovery assistance.
- Business owners can find tips and resources from Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
- To find more resources, visit vermont.gov/flood, vermont211.org or call Vermont 2-1-1.
- You can also report flood damage to 2-1-1 to help the state gather data, according to Vermont Emergency Management. (If you are a homeowner, you should also contact your insurance company.)
- The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has provided a resource page for farmers.
- Find the latest guidance about how to help with recovery.