Montpelier Flood Update

[Gwendolyn Hallsmith]

There was less rain overnight, and so there are lower flood levels than predicted earlier.  Downtown Montpelier is still flooded, however, with many roads closed.  Residents are advised to stay away from the roads listed below.  School in Montpelier has been cancelled.  Parents are asked to keep children away from the downtown, from rivers and streams, and from areas where flood waters may still be rising.  The forecast for rain today has been reduced, so longer term forecasts of higher flood levels have also been downgraded.  

Flood Update:  March 27, 2011  7:00 am

Observations and Forecasts:

1.  River levels are above major flood stage, at 17.59 feet.
2.  The river is expected to crest at 18 feet, but is not expected to climb to 20, thanks to lower rain levels overnight.
3.  The rain forecast has been lowered.  Over 3 inches of rain is still expected.

Assessment

1.  The severity of the flooding may be lower, due to lower than predicted rainfall overnight.
2.  Schools are closed in Montpelier.
3.  Montpelier is advising residents to stay away from flooded areas.
4.  National Life Insurance is open for evacuees.
5.  Route 2 West is under water.  It should not be used as an evacuation route.
6.  Downtown Montpelier is expected to be flooded - many routes into town are already flooded.  
7.  Main Street between the roundabout and School Street is closed.
8.  Bailey Ave at Baldwin is closed.
9.  Bailey Ave. at Memorial Drive is closed.
10.  Gallison Hill Rd. is closed - it is washed out.
11.  Taylor Street bridge is closed.
12.  State Street is flooded to Taylor Street.
13.  Elm Street closed from Spring Street to State Street

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__________________________________
Gwendolyn Hallsmith

gwe...@gmail.com

work address:

Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
City Hall
39 Main Street
Montpelier, VT  05602
ghall...@montpelier-vt.org
802-223-9506

--
__________________________________
Gwendolyn Hallsmith

gwe...@gmail.com

work address:

Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
City Hall
39 Main Street
Montpelier, VT  05602
ghall...@montpelier-vt.org
802-223-9506