Natural Disaster
Hurricane Beryl Remnants Devastate Vermont and New Hampshire
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl have wreaked havoc across northern New England, causing severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and urgent evacuations. Although the hurricane did not directly strike New England, its aftermath has left a trail of destruction, particularly in Vermont and New Hampshire.
In Vermont, the town of Marshfield experienced catastrophic flooding, reminiscent of last year’s devastating rainfall. Torrential rains began on Wednesday and continued into Thursday, leading to the collapse of bridges, the destruction of an apartment building, and widespread road closures. Residents in Plainfield had a mere 15 minutes to evacuate before floodwaters swept away a six-unit apartment complex. Emergency Management Director Michael Billingsley described the flooding as swift and destructive, noting that even a car was swept away, though its occupant was unharmed.
Governor Phil Scott expressed his concern for the affected communities, emphasizing the swift response of emergency teams. “It’s not lost on any of us the irony of the flood falling on the one-year anniversary to the day when many towns were hit last year,” Scott said. “But we’re ready. Our response and tools are only stronger as a result of last year and we will get through this.”
Central Vermont, including the city of Barre, faced significant flooding of roads and residences. The Lamoille River in Johnson surged towards major flood levels, raising concerns about further inundation. Vermont’s Department of Emergency Management reported that 54 state roads were closed, and six bridges were damaged, with three completely destroyed. Thirteen swift-water rescue teams from Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire completed 118 rescues overnight, with the Vermont Army National Guard assisting with helicopter searches and evacuations.
In New Hampshire, the towns of Dalton and Littleton reported extensive storm-related damage. Roads became impassable due to washouts, and a possible microburst in Littleton caused flooding, fallen trees, and downed power lines. Storm spotters reported washed-out roads and bridges in Monroe, Littleton, and Lancaster. In Littleton, a car was left dangling over a washed-out bridge, necessitating a high-water rescue.
The National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Warnings across northern New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, with some areas receiving between 3 to 6 inches of rain, and locally higher amounts exceeding 7 inches. The heavy precipitation continued into the early morning hours on Thursday, with additional flooding reported.
Hurricane Beryl initially made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone. The storm caused flooding and sporadic tornadoes from the Great Lakes to northern New England. Beryl has been linked to at least seven fatalities in the United States, including one in Louisiana and six in Texas, and numerous casualties in the Caribbean. The storm’s overall damage across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean is estimated to exceed $3.3 billion, with insured losses totaling $2.7 billion in the U.S. alone.
Despite the devastation, the resilience of the affected communities is evident. In Barre, Mayor Thom Lauzon praised the quick response of local crews. “It’s tough to watch folks in your community suffer and go through this again. But as I stand here, a bit discouraged, I’m also very proud. By 5 o’clock this morning our crews were out cleaning up the mud and debris,” Lauzon said.
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. As recovery efforts continue, the affected communities are reminded of their strength and unity in overcoming such challenges.