Severe Flooding Hits Vermont Again
Sutton, Vermont, saw another round of heavy storms on Friday, leaving behind damaged homes and washed-out roads. This marks the third summer in a row that severe flooding has hit parts of the state.
This week, up to 5 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, causing local rivers to overflow. Robert Haynes, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, noted the rapid rise in water levels.
In Sutton, nearly 20 homes became isolated as a local brook rapidly swelled. Fire Chief Kyle Seymour reported that his team had to rescue people from two homes, calling in swift-water rescue teams from nearby areas for help. He described the flooding as an “incredibly strong, quick-moving localized heavy water,” saying it overwhelmed all local streams and culverts within just a few hours.
While this flooding wasn’t as widespread as in previous years, officials are still assessing the damage and reflecting on the continued struggle to recover from consecutive floods. Seymour expressed disbelief at earlier reports downplaying the storm’s severity, noting that the repeated emergencies have left some team members considering retirement.
Experts link Vermont’s flooding to climate change and the state’s rugged landscape. Recent studies show that increased rainfall is making the region more prone to flooding. According to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report, rainfall in New England has increased by over 20% in the past 60 years, exacerbating flooding risks.
Further south, Massachusetts faced its own challenges as some areas received over 7 inches of rain. This led to flooding in towns like Weymouth, affecting local businesses and causing traffic delays.
As communities face the impact of these storms, ongoing discussions about climate change and infrastructure improvements are crucial. Local officials and residents continue to grapple with the reality of severe weather becoming a new norm.
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Robert Haynes,Kyle Seymour,U.S. news,environment,Climate
