Keep Yourself and Your Neighbors Safe and Informed as Severe Flooding Hits Lake Champlain Communities

By Sarah Noyes
July 10, 2023

Vermont and Northern New York are experiencing severe flooding as continuing rounds of heavy rain hit the Northeast. Due to repeated rain events, our soil is saturated and unable to absorb more rainwater. When rainwater has nowhere to go, it ponds on the ground and runs downhill quickly, overwhelming waterways.  

This excess river water becomes a powerful erosive force with the potential to cause serious destruction to homes and infrastructure in flood-prone areas. With more rain in the forecast this week, be prepared for more flooding and stay informed on how to keep our families, friends, homes, and infrastructure safe. 

Get to know the terms used to describe flood risk and flooding

The National Weather Service uses terms to describe levels of flood risk and flooding so residents can respond appropriately. These terms are: 

    Flood Watch: Be Prepared! Issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will definitely occur, but it is possible.  

    Flood Advisory: Be Aware! Issued when flooding is not expected to be severe enough to issue a flood warning, but it may cause significant inconvenience if caution is not exercised.   

    Flood Warning: Take Action! Issued when a flood event is imminent or occurring.  

    Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! Issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is sudden and can take minutes to hours to develop. It can also occur where it is not directly raining.   

VT and NY Emergency Management flood safety tips

  • If rising water is approaching, leave.  
  • Travel may be difficult in certain areas experiencing flooding – please exercise caution, reduce travel speeds and DO NOT drive, bike or walk in standing water. Strong currents or unseen washouts can sweep you away.  
  • If you are in a flood-prone area with a basement, move belongings to a higher floor and consider moving your car from low-lying areas.  
  • Check your insurance coverage now and take photos of important belongings for the insurance process.  
  • Turn off your home’s circuit breaker before evacuating if you can do it safely.  
  • If your home has been flooded, have a licensed electrician inspect your home before returning.  
  • Contact 211 (VT and NY) and contact your town’s flood hazard area administrator to address flood damages beyond emergency action 

Stay informed

Sign up for Emergency Alerts in your language from your state to receive real time emergency information, recommendations and instruction relevant to your area from emergency personnel. 

VT-Alert: Sign Up 

NY-Alert: Sign Up  

Road closures due to flooding: 

Vermont 

New York 

Flooding and weather forecasts: 

Power outages:

Shelters in your area: 

  • Vermont call 211  
  • New York call 211