Flood Watch in effect as ice jams and snowmelt threaten Vermont, North Country

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A Flood Watch is in effect for Vermont and parts of New York as a combination of snowmelt and midweek rainfall is expected to cause ice jams and sharp rises on rivers and streams. Mild temperatures have already led to significant snowpack melting, and an additional 2-3 inches of runoff is possible through Thursday. Rivers like the Missisquoi, Great Chazy, Ausable, Ottauquechee, Upper Ammonoosuc, and Mad are being closely monitored for potential flooding.

Why it matters

Ice jams can form quickly and unpredictably, causing water levels to rise several feet in just minutes. This poses a serious threat to communities along flood-prone rivers in Vermont and New York, requiring close monitoring and preparedness from residents and emergency officials.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of Vermont except Bennington and Windham counties, as well as Clinton, Essex, Franklin and St. Lawrence counties in New York. Warm temperatures will continue through the middle of the week, with highs in the 50s and 60s on Tuesday and 40s and low 50s on Wednesday. This prolonged thaw will allow the snowpack to keep melting continuously, with an additional 2-3 inches of runoff expected through Thursday. Precipitation returns on Wednesday and Thursday, with up to an inch and a half of rain possible.

• The Flood Watch is in effect through Thursday afternoon.
• Warm temperatures will continue through the middle of the week, with highs in the 50s and 60s on Tuesday and 40s and low 50s on Wednesday.
• Precipitation returns on Wednesday and Thursday, with up to an inch and a half of rain possible.

What’s next

Emergency officials urge people who live near rivers to have a go-bag ready and an escape route planned in the event of an evacuation. Residents should download the First Alert Weather App to be notified immediately of any Flood Warnings issued for their area.