Flash Flood — Washington, Vermont

2023-07-11 · near Montpelier Jct, Washington, Vermont

Event narrative

Three to seven inches of rain fell during the afternoon/evening of July 10 and into the morning hours on July 11. Severe flash flooding occurred, most notably in the Barre area where the Stevens and Jail Branches of the Winooski River were overwhelmed. A number of homes and businesses were damaged, especially along Route 302. A few landslides also occurred, causing damage.

Wider weather episode

Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall affected Vermont from late afternoon of the 9th through the early morning hours on the 11th. During the roughly 36-hour period, 4 to as much as 9 inches of rain fell across much of the Green Mountains, leading to devastating flash and riverine flooding.

Major river flooding was observed in the Winooski, Lamoille and Otter Creek basins with moderate to major flooding in the White River basin. Severe river flooding occurred in the communities of Montpelier, Waterbury, Johnson, Cambridge and Woodstock. State estimated damage between July 7- July 21 was in the $400-500. Million range between flash flooding and the devastating major river flooding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (44.2385, -72.5739)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1112194. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.