Natural Disaster
One Dead in Intense Vermont Flooding from Remnants of Hurricane Beryl
Heavy rain that began Wednesday night also caused power outages, road and bridge closures, evacuations.
Marshfield, VT – The remnants of Hurricane Beryl have wreaked havoc in Vermont, causing severe flooding that has led to at least one confirmed death. The storm, which initially made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, transitioned into a post-tropical cyclone and brought torrential rains to the northeastern United States, including Vermont. The heavy rainfall began on Wednesday and continued into Thursday, resulting in widespread destruction across the state.
Governor Phil Scott announced the fatality on Thursday, expressing his condolences to the affected families and emphasizing the state's commitment to recovery efforts. "Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and those whose lives have been upended by this disaster," Scott said. "We are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety and well-being of all Vermonters."
The flooding has been particularly severe in central Vermont, with towns such as Barre, Plainfield, and Marshfield experiencing significant damage. In Plainfield, a six-unit apartment building was swept away by floodwaters, forcing residents to evacuate with only 15 minutes' notice. Multiple bridges were destroyed, and numerous roads became impassable, leaving many residents stranded.
Emergency response teams have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped by the floodwaters. Swift water rescue teams conducted 118 rescues, including saving 15 pets. The Vermont Army National Guard has also been actively involved, evacuating 19 people from flooded areas in Barre, Northfield, and Moretown. "Our teams reacted quickly to come together, prepare, and be ready to help when needed," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Tatro, commander of the National Guard reaction force teams.
The National Weather Service had issued flood alerts for much of northern New England, including Vermont, early Thursday. The service warned of potential thunderstorms along the East Coast until Friday, although the storm was not expected to cause flooding as catastrophic as last July's. Nonetheless, the risk of flash floods remained significant in areas already saturated by previous rains.
The flooding has led to the closure of 54 state roads and the destruction of six bridges, with significant damage reported to rail infrastructure, including tracks used by the Amtrak Vermonter. The Vermont Agency of Transportation has been working to assess and repair the damage, but the extent of the destruction means that recovery efforts will take time.
In the city of Barre, which was still recovering from last year's flood, the water levels rose rapidly, submerging roads and homes. Mayor Thom Lauzon described the situation as "tough to watch," but praised the community's resilience. "By 5 o'clock this morning, our crews were out cleaning up the mud and debris," Lauzon said. "We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we will get through this together."
The remnants of Hurricane Beryl have caused widespread damage not only in Vermont but also in other parts of New England. In New Hampshire, roads in Dalton were rendered impassable due to washouts, and Littleton experienced flooding and fallen trees. In upstate New York, a tornado touched down, causing damage to trees and properties but fortunately resulting in no injuries.
The storm has been linked to at least seven fatalities in the United States, including one in Louisiana and six in Texas, as well as numerous casualties in the Caribbean. The 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.
As Vermont continues to grapple with the aftermath of the flooding, state officials are urging residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing into waterways. "The rivers are not safe due to fast currents containing debris," warned Jennifer Morrison, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Safety. "We are still in active response mode and conducting secondary searches in the hardest-hit areas."
The flooding has highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which many experts attribute to climate change. Vermont, with its mountainous terrain and rapid water drainage, is particularly vulnerable to such events. The state has experienced significant flooding in the past, notably during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and last year's historic rainfall.
Governor Scott emphasized the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such challenges. "We are Vermont Strong for a reason," he said. "Our response and tools are only stronger as a result of last year, and we will get through this."
As recovery efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all residents and rebuilding the affected communities. The Vermont National Guard and other emergency response teams are committed to providing the necessary support and assistance to those in need.