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Flood Waters Strike Vermont - Tragedy Strikes And Flood Defenses Tested

Flood waters strike Vermont, a state known for its tranquil landscapes, faces the aftermath of a forceful storm, highlighting the need for continued adaptation to the changing climate.

Author:Tyreece Bauer
Reviewer:Elisa Mueller
Jul 13, 2023
70.7K Shares
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Flood waters strike Vermont, a state known for its tranquil landscapes, faces the aftermath of a forceful storm, highlighting the need for continued adaptation to the changing climate.
The storm, reminiscent of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, damaged numerous homes and businesses while testing the effectiveness of mitigation measures implemented since then.
As officials and experts assess the damage, they emphasize the necessity for long-term planning and resilience-building efforts in the face of increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather events.
The period we are more concerned about is Sunday because that could be more widespread and heavier, but not nearly on the scale of what we saw earlier in the week.- National Weather Service meteorologist Seth Kutikoff

Assessing The Damage And Ensuring Safety

While no injuries or deaths have been reported, the extent of the damage caused by the recent storm is still being evaluated. Lingering flooding, closed roads, and isolated communities contribute to ongoing challenges.
With more rain in the forecast, concerns persist regarding potential future flooding in vulnerable areas.
State leaders emphasize the importance of understanding the future implications of climate change and utilizing mitigation resources to minimize the impacts of these increasingly frequent and severe floods.

Drone video shows flooded town in southern Vermont

Lessons From Tropical Storm Irene

The devastation caused by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 prompted Vermont to implement changes to mitigate future damage.
Efforts included studying and replacing bridges to minimize debris accumulation, restricting building in flood plains, and implementing a buyback program to relocate residents from high-risk areas.
While these measures have had some success, challenges remain, as evidenced by homes flooding again despite previous safeguards. Ongoing adaptation and comprehensive planning are necessary to address the evolving threats posed by climate change.
You hope that every event like this keeps people alert, and thinking of the future. It’s not going to be a one-off, and you can’t put your head in the sand.- Frank Magilligan, a Dartmouth College geography professor and river scientist who has studied flood hydrology and the regional effects of Irene

Challenges And Resilience In The Face Of Flooding

Vermont's geography and proximity to rivers present ongoing challenges as heavy rains and flooding persist.
While infrastructure improvements such as flood-proof wastewater pump stations and elevated municipal buildings have proven effective, some risks cannot be completely mitigated.
The state's farmers, however, received a glimmer of hope as the agricultural lab, rebuilt after Irene, escaped unscathed, allowing for immediate soil safety testing in the wake of the recent floods.
Vermont's leaders stress the need for continuous adaptation to combat the increasingly severe and unpredictable impacts of climate change.
The recent storm serves as a reminder that the state must remain vigilant, actively planning for the future to reduce the impacts of future floods.
Balancing preservation with necessary adaptations, Vermont aims to build resilience in the face of ongoing climate challenges.

Ongoing Response And Future Outlook

While the extent of the recent storm's damage is still being determined, officials are preparing for potential thunderstorms and flash flooding in the coming days.
Vermont's emergency management teams continue to assess the destruction caused by the storm, including damaged roads, bridges, and railways.
Recognizing the climate crisis as a contributing factor, leaders acknowledge the urgent need for ongoing adaptation and preparedness efforts to mitigate future impacts.

Final Words

Vermont's recent severe storm and subsequent flooding have reinforced the importance of ongoing adaptation and resilience-building efforts in the face of climate change.
Lessons learned from past floods, such as Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, have informed mitigation measures, but the recent storm highlights the need for continued planning and preparedness.
With an understanding that extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe, Vermont strives to balance preservation with necessary adaptations to build resilience for the future.
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Tyreece Bauer

Tyreece Bauer

Author
A trendsetter in the world of digital nomad living, Tyreece Bauer excels in Travel and Cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and is a certified Cybersecurity professional. As a Digital Nomad, he combines his passion for exploring new destinations with his expertise in ensuring digital security on the go. Tyreece's background includes extensive experience in travel technology, data privacy, and risk management in the travel industry. He is known for his innovative approach to securing digital systems and protecting sensitive information for travelers and travel companies alike. Tyreece's expertise in cybersecurity for mobile apps, IoT devices, and remote work environments makes him a trusted advisor in the digital nomad community. Tyreece enjoys documenting his adventures, sharing insights on staying secure while traveling and contributing to the digital nomad lifestyle community.
Elisa Mueller

Elisa Mueller

Reviewer
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film. She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide. With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth. Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
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