Eye on the sky - and the rivers - as winter storm approaches
December 9, 2023 | By Lisa Scagliotti Updated at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
National Weather Service graphic. Click to enlarge
The National Weather Service’s river level forecast shows the Winooski River is now predicted to *not* reach flood stage with this storm. The graph shows hourly observations and the forecast which is updated daily just before noon. Link there as well to the winter storm warning.
Significant heavy, wet snow is still predicted along with strong winds which likely will mean difficult travel and potential power outages.
Updated at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
The Waterbury Select Board met Saturday morning to review weather and flood forecasts along with local emergency management officials.
Based on forecast information so far, state officials were predicting possible flooding in the low-lying area behind the State Office Complex in Waterbury. By midday, however, the updated river forecast predicted the Winooski River would rise significantly with the Sunday-Monday storm, but not to a flood level.
The updated Winter Storm Warning still calls for rain and significant heavy wet snow Sunday into Monday. Knowing that conditions can change quickly, town officials will continue to monitor the forecasts and threats for any potential flooding.
In a message to local residents Saturday afternoon, town officials advised local residents to pay attention to the forecasts as well and to plan for the storm and its impacts that also could include power outages.
They advise:
If you are concerned about water getting into your basement, remove any valuable items you may have stored there. Anyone needing assistance with this task can contact the Waterbury CReW group which may have volunteers available on Sunday. To request some help, call and leave a message at 802-585-1152 or send an email to waterburyhelp@gmail.com.
Anyone who loses power and needs a place to stay on Monday also may reach out to the CReW at the same email and number above.
Expect difficult road conditions Sunday evening and Monday morning.
Tom Drake, who has been serving as the town flood recovery coordinator, along with leaders of the new CReW long-term recovery committee sent this information directly to residents in the neighborhoods that experienced flooding in July. “Please make a good effort to protect yourself and your belongings, keep an eye on the river level, and take good care of yourself,” their message says.
CReW stands for Community Resilience for the greater Waterbury area. Read more about CReW here.
Original post 6:53 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
The forecast for an incoming storm on Sunday into Monday bringing heavy rain followed by significant snowfall has state and local officials urging Vermonters to monitor forecasts and to prepare for potential minor flooding, tough travel and possible power outages.
The latest information from the National Weather Service includes the Winooski River in several places including Waterbury and the Mad River as potential rivers where water will rise to “minor flood stage.”
Impacts are expected Sunday afternoon into Monday afternoon. The latest bulletin posted Saturday morning says: “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”
A winter storm watch is in effect across much of Vermont from Sunday evening through Monday evening. The storm is expected to begin on Sunday as heavy rain, changing to heavy, wet snow with accumulations of 4 to 10 inches possible and more in higher elevations.
“Travel could be very difficult, especially during the pre-dawn hours into the morning hours on Monday. The hazardous conditions are likely to impact the Monday morning commute,” the current report states. “Snowfall rates on Monday morning could exceed 1 inch per hour. Furthermore, gusty northwest winds 25 to 35 mph could produce additional power outages on Monday afternoon into Monday night.”
In Waterbury, the Select Board will hold a special meeting Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in the Steele Room at the municipal offices to discuss preparations ahead of this weather event.
In addition, the local flood-response team put out a message Friday evening with a call for volunteers to help residents in flood-prone neighborhoods to move items from garages and basements ahead of the storm and to potentially help on Monday or beyond if it is needed.
Residents and businesses in low-lying areas are encouraged to prepare by moving valuables from basements, etc. and to pay close attention to forecasts. There is an online signup form that volunteers may use to let organizers know they are available to help with this immediate need as well as with long-term recovery projects still ongoing from the summer flooding.
Additional links for more information:
National Weather Service Burlington
Vermont Emergency Management to sign up for emergency alerts
Vermont Agency of Transportation Winter Weather Central
New England 511 for road condition updates around the region
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.