Rain is falling steadily and a flood watch has been issued in Vermont from 1 p.m. today until Thursday morning.
The whole state of Vermont is under the flood watch, except for Grand Isle County, according to the National Weather Service.
“It’s really the southeastern part of the state that is we’re focused on” when it comes to flooding, National Weather Service Meteorologist-in-charge for Vermont Gabriel Langbauer told USA Today Network on Wednesday morning.
Here’s what to know about the situation.
Why could flooding be a problem?
Much of Vermont is under a flood watch, the pine green color on the map, on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
The National Weather Service branch in Vermont stated that, “Heavy rain along with snow melt from warm temperatures will lead to possible flooding. Flash flooding and main stem river flooding are both possible.”
Rainfall could total more than 1 1/2 inches by Thursday morning.
“But I don’t think we are looking at any major flooding,” Langbauer added.
The National Weather Service forecast discussion online noted, “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
An AccuWeather graphic depicting where rain will fall during the latest round of wet weather in the northeast.
What is AccuWeather predicting for Vermont and the northeast with this rain?
AccuWeather stated in a release that “there is an elevated risk of flooding in parts of New England where heavy rainfall on top of the melting snowpack could quickly trigger dangerous flash flooding.”
“The risk for significant flooding will be further amplified across the higher elevations of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine where there is a considerable snowpack of several inches on the ground,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter stated in a release. “Rapidly melting snow can add another 1 to 2 inches of liquid water to the runoff. Rapidly rising water can lead to life-threatening flooding, especially in areas of steep terrain.”
He added that significant flooding could occur near streams and creeks.
Will wind be a problem in the northeast?
AccuWeather said wind will indeed be an issue when it comes to the predicted rain.
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say wind gusts of 50-70 mph “could bring down trees and utility lines, leading to widespread power outages” in New England.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Flood watch issued for Vermont today. Where it could be the worst