Montpelier Flooding Update

[Gwendolyn Hallsmith]

There is serious flooding in downtown Montpelier.  Residents in low lying areas have been evacuated.  Other residents are advised to avoid the downtown and the roads and intersections listed below.  We are awaiting final word that school has been cancelled, but the flood waters are now blocking the entrance to Montpelier High School, the intersection at State and Bailey, and have closed the Taylor Street bridge.  They are expected to crest between 7 - 8 in the morning.  Please do not allow your children into the downtown area.

Floodwaters are dangerous - they can be filled with sewage, petroleum products, hazardous chemicals, and disease causing pathogens.  Roads are also washing out in higher areas, so driving can be very hazardous.   Do not drive on roads with moving water - the depth can be deceptive, and you can be washed away.   For updates on the flood conditions, please visit the city web site:  www.montpelier-vt.org.

Flooding in Montpelier - EVACUATION ORDERED  May 27, 2011 4:25 am 

Observations and Forecasts:  

1.  River levels are above action stage, they reached flood stage at 1 am.  
2.  They are projected to rise to above major flood stage (18 feet) by 3 am.
3.  Between 7 and 8 am it will be at 20 feet.
4.  Around noon on Friday, more storms are predicted.
5.  Flooding could continue through the weekend.
6.  The model on the web site is not correct - flood waters are expected to be higher than it is showing.

Assessment

1.  Montpelier is advising residents in low lying areas to evacuate.
2.  National Life Insurance is open for evacuees.
3.  Route 2 West is under water.  It should not be used as an evacuation route.
4.  Downtown Montpelier is expected to be flooded - many routes into town are already flooded.  
5.  Main Street between the roundabout and School Street is closed.
6.  Bailey Ave at Baldwin is closed.
7.  Bailey Ave. at Memorial Drive is closed.
8.  Gallison Hill Rd. is closed - it is washed out.
9.  Taylor Street bridge is closed.
10.  State Street is flooded to Taylor 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