Relentless Rain Triggers Flooding, Evacuations, and Rescues in the Northeast

The Northeast region faced severe consequences from heavy rainfall on Monday, including flooded roads, evacuations, and the need for rescue operations. The situation remained critical as forecasts predicted continued downpours throughout the day. Tragically, one individual in New York lost their life while attempting to leave their home.

After impacting portions of New York and Connecticut, the slow-moving storm progressed towards New England during the morning hours. Parts of Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine were warned of heavy downpours, which could potentially lead to flash flooding.

Among the areas severely affected, New York’s Hudson Valley experienced significant devastation. Rescuers discovered the body of a woman in her thirties whose residence had become surrounded by water. The force of the flash flooding caused large boulders to collide with her house, damaging a section of its wall, as reported by Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus to The Big Big News. Fortunately, two other individuals were able to escape the perilous situation.

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Neuhaus stated, “She was attempting to navigate through the flooding with her dog,” adding, “and she was overwhelmed by waves akin to a tidal wave.”

Numerous roads and bridges suffered damage from the heavy rainfall, and while officials believed everyone was safe, efforts were underway to reach individuals and confirm their well-being.

Authorities estimated that the storm had already caused tens of millions of dollars in damages. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Orange County in New York on Sunday. This declaration encompassed the town of Cornwall, near the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, where numerous flooded and closed-off roads were located.

The storm also disrupted air and rail travel. Flight cancellations at Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports numbered in the hundreds as of early Monday, with over 200 flights canceled at Boston’s Logan Airport within the past 24 hours, according to the Flightaware website. Amtrak temporarily suspended service between Albany and New York. In Vermont, approximately 25 state roads were closed.

Governor Phil Scott of Vermont revealed that swift-water rescue teams from North Carolina were present in the state, with one from Massachusetts en route.

Scott emphasized, “This necessitates an all-hands-on-deck response,” during a Monday press conference. He continued, “We haven’t witnessed rainfall of this magnitude since Irene, and in some areas, it may even surpass that.”

Scott referred to Tropical Storm Irene, which struck the state in August 2011, bringing 11 inches (28 centimeters) of rain within 24 hours.

On Sunday, Scott declared a state of emergency. The state emergency management office’s spokesperson, Mark Bosma, reported the successful rescue of campers and individuals trapped in their homes in central and southern Vermont.

By morning, several towns had already received 2 1/2 to 4 inches (6.35 centimeters to 10.16 centimeters) of rainfall since midnight, with similar amounts expected during the day, according to Robert Haynes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Burlington, Vermont.

Haynes warned, “We are still on track for potentially significant, locally catastrophic flooding.”

Meteorologist Marlon Verasamy in Burlington commented on the uniqueness of the situation, stating, “This is one of those infrequent events that we rarely witness in this region.” Verasamy explained that the ground was already saturated, and rivers remained high due to recent heavy rains. Southern Vermont had already experienced mudslides and road flooding from a storm that occurred on Friday night and continued into Saturday morning.

“It’s the same area that is being impacted today,” Verasamy added.

Contributors to this report include Lisa Rathke in Marshfield, Vermont; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Karen Matthews in New York; and Sarah Brumfield in Silver Spring, Maryland, from The Big Big News.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about flooding

More about flooding

• Flash Flooding: What You Need to Know
• National Weather Service
• Tropical Storm Irene: Impacts and Recovery
• State of Emergency Procedures
• Swift Water Rescue: Training and Techniques