A motorist splashes through a large puddle on Ethan Allen Avenue at the Fort in Colchester Wednesday morning. Over 2.5 inches of rain fell in Burlington Tuesday night. (Photo by Erik Wells).
It was quite the light show here in the Champlain Valley last night. A strong Thunderstorm with sky to ground lightning and torrid downpours hung around the area for hours. The effects are being felt today as multiple roads and schools are closed due to flooding.
The Burlington Free Press reports that 2.74 inches of rain fell in Burlington , and nearly 4,100 homes were left without power. Flood warnings remain in place for multiple areas around Vermont as rivers rise above flood stage. This is now the wettest April on record with 6.77 inches of rain (statistics have been kept for over 130 years). The Free Press lists road closures in Chittenden County. If you see any travel trouble spots let us know. Remember- don’t try to drive through a flooded road, even an inch of water can push your vehicle away.
On my way into work I drive down to Lakeside Avenue in Burlington to investigate if the road was still closed due to flooding (the waters had receded). Lake Champlain remains nearly a foot above its flood stage of 100 feet). I did notice last night’s storm damaged a traffic light at the corner of Lakeside Avenue and Pine Street. Outside our office at Fort Ethan Allen, water remains in the roadway this morning.
Vermont Local Roads 