Flash Flood in Essex County, Vermont

Dept. of Highways reported a washout on VT 015 between Lakeshore Dr. and Ethan Allen Dr. in Island Pond. Subsequent information suggested a few other roads experienced minor washouts in this area.

A cluster of nearly stationary thunderstorms affected portions of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans Counties in northeastern Vermont during the early to mid morning hours of July 30, 2024. This produced rainfall amounts from 4 to as much as 8 inches in these areas which led to severe, and in some cases catastrophic flash flooding. The department of highways, state/local emergency management, and NWS Storm Surveys confirmed the hardest hit areas were in the towns of Morgan, Lyndon and St. Johnsbury, VT. Preliminary assessments show five bridges destroyed, five homes destroyed, damage to 20 to 30 additional homes, and numerous roads washed out. Total damage costs will likely near or exceed $10 million dollars.