Burlington, VT – Rapid snowmelt and incoming rain are pushing rivers higher across northern New York and Vermont today, raising the risk of flooding and sudden ice jams through Thursday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Burlington, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday afternoon for all of northern New York and much of northern and central Vermont, including Burlington, Plattsburgh, St. Albans, Rutland, Montpelier, and Lake Placid.
Warm temperatures are already softening the region’s remaining snowpack, sending runoff into rivers and streams. As steady rain spreads across the region Wednesday and continues into Thursday, waterways are expected to rise quickly. The increased flow could break apart river ice, creating ice jams that can trigger sudden flooding upstream.
Communities along the Winooski, Lamoille, Ausable, Saranac, and upper Connecticut River basins may see the fastest rises. Smaller creeks and streams could overflow their banks first, especially in low-lying or flood-prone neighborhoods.
Emergency managers urge residents to monitor river conditions closely, keep storm drains clear, and never drive across flooded roads.
River levels will remain elevated through Thursday as rain continues and snowmelt persists. Additional flood warnings may be issued if ice jams form or rivers rise faster than expected.
