Flood forecast from the National Water Prediction Service as of 1 pm on 12/10/24. (Red squares indicate moderate flood forecast, orange squares indicate minor flood forecast, yellow squares indicate action forecast, and green indicates no flood.)

Flood Watch Issued

A flood watch has been issued for the afternoon of Wednesday, December 11 to the morning of Thursday, December 12 for all of Vermont except Grand Isle County. The state is expected to receive 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain and experience snowmelt from warm temperatures. 

NOAA is predicting moderate flooding for Otter Creek in Rutland and the Walloomsac River near North Bennington, plus minor flooding in six other locations across Vermont. Find a map of flood forecasts and current river levels here. Localized flash flooding is also possible.

Vermont Rural Water encourages water and wastewater systems to prepare for possible flooding and for everyone to review the following safety reminders.

Pre-Flood Preparation Tips

• Move as much as you can out of the floodplain: vehicles, equipment, supplies, paperwork, computers, etc.
• Close valves on fuel tanks if possible to minimize risk in case fuel tanks are damaged or dislodged during flooding.
• Turn off the building’s circuit breaker.
• Contact your local Emergency Management Director and make them aware of needs you may have during an emergency. Find contact info for your municipality’s EMD at vem.vermont.gov/programs/emd/contact
• Check that your facility’s insurance policy is up-to-date and covers all of your current equipment.
• Check that your system’s contact info is up-to-date with VT WARN, the water/wastewater mutual aid network. If your system is not a member, join at vtwarn.org.

Safety Reminders

• Do not drive or walk on flooded streets. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
• Find reports of flooding and road closures on the New England 511 map.
• Use the buddy system and tell someone where you are going and how long you plan to be gone.
• When reentering a building that flooded, be extra cautious if the electricity hasn’t been shut off. Even if there is no power at the moment, it could suddenly come back on. Do not turn on the circuit breaker or use any electrical devices until the building has been checked by a licensed electrician.
• Do not run generators inside buildings or garages. Place generators at least 20 feet from buildings.
• Wear a face mask, safety goggles, and work gloves to protect from dust, mold, and potential toxins when cleaning up after a flood.