LYNDONVILLE, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont towns were once again underwater Tuesday due to late-night storms that dumped record rainfall in parts of the Northeast Kingdom.
The Northeast Kingdom woke up Tuesday morning to historic rainfall and the rising sun revealed the destruction. Homes on Mt. Hunger Road in the town of Lyndon were split in half, careening into the Mountain Brook. One homeowner’s bathrobe was still dangling over the raging river. Nearby, a car careened over a washout on Route 114 and was held up by a single utility wire. The driver tells WCAX he was okay, just shaken up.
Ten swift water rescue teams evacuated people from over two dozen homes throughout the kingdom, even by helicopter. Kathleen Murphy was among those who couldn’t return to their homes for hours. “That’s my tiny house right there, the thing that’s tilted over,” Murphy pointed out. She says she was renting out her dream home. The tenant was able to bail out and fled minutes before it was swept away. “This just reminds me of how vulnerable and precious life is.”
From above the valley, washed-out culverts, catch basins, and piles of mud contributed to numerous road closures.
Reporter Calvin Cutler: Ever seen anything like this?
Taran Gillander/Waterford: About three weeks ago. But other than that, I’ve never seen anything like this in the 30 years I’ve been alive.
The flash floods also wiped out local businesses that were still reeling from the deluge three weeks ago. “It’s devastating. It took out our entire warehouse, all of our bags, shavings. It’s going to have to be completely gutted,” said Earl Morrison with Morrison’s Custom Feed in St. Johnsbury.
While salvaging pieces of their homes, a cavalry of rescue crews and utility workers dug into work, some giving their colleagues a lift to clear tangled utility lines.
“I’m very surprised to see that we haven’t had any fatalities, just because everyone was sleeping,” said Lyndonville Fire Chief Jeff Corrow.
Technical rescue teams ended the day rescuing two families with children and pets. With more rain in the forecast this week, Lyndonville residents are among those now evacuating for higher ground. “As of right now, I would have felt comfortable, but because of the extra rain, 211 said we should go because of the extra rain,” said Rose Reynolds.
Officials say if you are still in immediate danger, call 911. All residents are urged to begin documenting their damage by calling 211.
The community is also leerily looking forward to the next 24 hours with more rain on the way.