BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – On Monday, we first highlighted Wednesday as a First Alert Weather Day because of the potential for excessive rainfall and widespread flash flooding. Heavy rain and downpours have been widespread today, with rainfall amounts and flood reports beginning to reach the First Alert Weather Center.
Fortunately, the heaviest rain missed southern Vermont by 20 to 40 miles. The Capital Region of New York received 6 to 12 inches of rain — amounts that were not expected but remained possible across southern Vermont.
Since the rain began late Tuesday, impressive rainfall totals have been reported across the region. Amounts are in line with what was forecast for southern Vermont. Meanwhile, the rainfall totals of greatest concern — in excess of 6 inches — fell in the Albany area. Some locations, including Schodack and Kinderhook, are nearing a foot of rain.
We are not entirely out of the woods yet. An isolated risk of flooding remains tonight, primarily across southern Vermont.
Heavy downpours remain possible through this evening and tonight. A flood warning was issued for southern Windham County, including Bennington, at about 4:50 p.m. Wednesday and is in effect until 7:45 p.m. Low-lying areas near small rivers, creeks and streams could flood. Nothing extreme is expected, but conditions are worth watching. Additional flood warnings remain possible, and while the chance for a flash flood warning is low, it is not zero.
Fortunately, the risk is lower now than it was earlier in the day, and the concern continues to diminish…