NEK flooded again: major damage reported

MORGAN –– Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom was hit by another wave of severe flooding early Tuesday morning, causing widespread damage and prompting numerous rescues in several counties. The event comes just weeks after the region was devastated by earlier flooding.

The National Weather Service in Burlington reported that slow-moving storms dropped between 3 and more than 8 inches of rain across parts of the NEK overnight, prompting the declaration of two separate flash flood emergencies near St. Johnsbury and Morgan.

In St. Johnsbury, the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium recorded 7.96 inches of rainfall, the most in a single day in their 130 years of weather records. The city sustained significant road damage, with portions of Memorial Drive, Route 2 and Route 5 closed due to flooding. Local businesses, including Morrison’s Feed Bag, suffered severe damage and inventory losses.

Lyndonville and East Lyndon were hit particularly hard. Fire Chief Jeff Corrow reported that parts of East Lyndon were completely cut off by washed-out roads and bridges. Swift Water rescue crews had to use creative methods, including ladders and excavators, to reach stranded residents. Several homes were destroyed, including one resident’s small house that was washed away by floodwaters.

In East Burke, residents woke up to several inches of water in their yards, and many homes were cut off from roads by washouts. City Manager Jim Sullivan noted that the storm impacted the entire east side of town, causing significant damage to bridge abutments.

Morgan was hit hard. The area received at least 5 inches of rain, causing significant flooding. Vermont Route 111 was closed in several places, from VT 114 to the old McAve Road due to high water, and from Water Street/Bridge 8 to the fishing area, also due to high water.

Other communities in the region also experienced road closures. In Brighton, Vermont Route 105 was closed from Lakeshore Drive to Ethan Allen Drive due to a washout. In Canaan, Vermont Route 102 was reduced to one lane at Bridge 18 over Keyer Brook, south of Canaan Hill Road.

The Passumpsic River was expected to crest at nearly 16 feet, which is considered moderately high water, potentially leading to more flooding in communities along the river.

Vermont Emergency Management reported that 10 fast-water rescue teams were sent to the area overnight, conducting about two dozen rescues in Caledonia and Essex counties.

The flooding also affected infrastructure beyond the roads. In St. Johnsbury, a portion of the recently completed Lamoille Valley Rail Trail appeared to have been washed away. Utility crews were clearing downed power lines in several locations.

As communities begin to assess the damage, forecasts indicate that more storms could be coming. The National Weather Service warned that additional isolated storms and downpours could lead to more flooding and high winds.

State officials are reminding residents to take basic safety precautions, such as turning off electricity in flooded areas, moving to higher ground if water rises near homes and testing water for contaminants after floodwaters recede.