Biden declares state of emergency in Vermont as ‘one-in-a-thousand year’ flooding sweeps northeast - live
The water is still rising in Vermont as other parts of the US Northeast battle to recover from devastating impacts of torrential rain and ensuing intense flooding in New York and New England.
One woman died in New York after she was swept away in floodwaters as she tried to escape her home with her dog, and dozens of people had to be rescued from submerged vehicles. Roads have been transformed into rivers and bridges and highways collapsed under the deluge and landslides.
New York State’s Hudson Valley saw up to 10 inches of rain on Sunday, the equivalent of an entire summer.
“Dangerous, widespread flash flooding from excessive rainfall is expected across New England through Tuesday morning; Highest risk for Vermont with expected impacts to transit routes,” the National Weather Service warned.
Key Points
Travel disrupted as 13 million people in the US north-east under flood alert
Biden declares emergency in Vermont
Flash flooding expected across New England today
One killed, 50 rescued so far as US northeast faces extreme downpour and flooding
Governor says Vermont downpour 'worse than Irene'
Eight tornadoes touch down in four Chicago counties
12:29 , Stuti Mishra
Extreme weather also threatened the Chicago area, where at least eight tornadoes touched down in four counties in northeastern Illinois.
One tornado touched down near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday evening, prompting passengers to take shelter and disrupting hundreds of flights. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
A confirmed tornado was on the ground around 7pm, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago.
“This tornado has been touching the ground intermittently so far and is moving east. There are additional circulations along the line south of O’Hare. Seek shelter if in the warned area,” it said.
The view from Chicago Midway Airport as a tornado-warned storm pushed through moments ago.
Over 1.7 million people in the Chicago area were included within this tornado warning.
Video sent in by: Taylor Mobley#weather #tornado #stormhour #ilwx #wx pic.twitter.com/DO56S1lBza— Nash Rhodes (@NashWX) July 12, 2023
Death Valley can see 'highest temperature on Earth', expert warns
11:29 , Stuti Mishra
The southern parts of the US is bracing for potentially deadly heat with much of the area under an excessive heat warning.
The National Weather Service issued excessive heat advisories, watches and warnings for areas where about 100 million Americans live. The sweltering conditions are expected to worsen over the weekend and continue into next week.
Meteorologist Colin McCarthy warned on Twitter that Death Valley, one of the hottest places on the planet, can see temperatures "soar up to 131F (55C), which, if recorded by a weather station, would be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth".
The National Weather Service is now forecasting Death Valley to soar up to 131°F (55°C), which, if recorded by a weather station, would be the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth. pic.twitter.com/Jonl9GBfzB
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) July 13, 2023
The records show Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley recording a temperature of 134.1F (56.7C) in July 1913, which is considered the highest temperature recorded on Earth, however, that reading has been under question by scientists with several meteorological experts asserting that there were irregularities.
More rains expected for Vermont and US northeast
10:29 , Stuti Mishra
While stifling temperatures have gripped many parts of the country, Vermont and other Northeastern states barely have had time to recover from historic flooding in recent days when the National Weather Service forecast more heavy rainfall across parts of New England in the coming days, where rivers and streams are already running high.
Excessive heat is baking US Southwest and expected to get worse
09:29 , Stuti Mishra
A prolonged heat wave blanketed a swath of the US stretching from California to South Florida on Wednesday, with forecasters expecting temperatures that could shatter records in parts of the Southwest in the coming days.
The National Weather Service issued excessive heat advisories, watches and warnings for areas where about 100 million Americans live. The sweltering conditions are expected to worsen over the weekend and continue into next week.
People return to devastated houses after water recedes
08:29 , Stuti Mishra
Residents in Vermont are returning home to find their houses and belongings damaged after severe flooding left the capital city Montpelier as a swirling, brown waterway.
One resident posted a video of their front yard with the entry door blocked with mud and stones and car stuck.
Finally got to return to the house and get my stuff — here’s the aftermath of yesterday’s mudslide and flood in Ludlow, Vermont. Grateful I got out when I did! Don’t think I’ll be moving that truck anytime soon… pic.twitter.com/BROrWyccOr
— alisha durgin (@babygotbckcntry) July 12, 2023
City of Montpelier warns of sinkholes after flooding
07:29 , Louise Boyle
Officials in the Vermont city of Montpelier warned residents to beware of potential sinkholes as flood waters recede and saturated ground settles.
“Sinkholes can develop fast and without warning. Do not walk or drive around closed roads or barricades. Please also obey traffic signals and be on the lookout for deep potholes filled with water that may damage or incapacitate your vehicle,” the city said.
Watch: Bernie Sanders calls Vermont flooding 'worst natural disaster since 1927'
06:29 , Louise Boyle
Pictured: Clean-up continues in Vermont
05:29 , Stuti Mishra
European heatwave Cerberus claims first life as worker dies in 40C heat
04:58 , Louise Boyle
A deadly heatwave sweeping Europe has claimed its first life in Italy.
A 44-year-old worker reportedly collapsed while painting a zebra crossing in 40C heat at noon on Tuesday in the town of Lodi, close to Milan. The man is said to have lost consciousness due to the intense heat and was later pronounced dead.
An area of high pressure – named Cerberus after the underworld monster from Dante’s Inferno – is blanketing the country. Italy saw highs of 40C on Wednesday with Sicily and Sardinia forecast to be as high as 48C.
European heatwave Cerberus claims first death and temperatures could reach 48C
What is El Nino and what impact might it have?
03:30 , Louise Boyle
The UN’s World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has announced the return of the weather cycle El Nino, which could lead to record global temperatures this year.
After three years of the cooler La Nina pattern, which often lowers global temperatures slightly, the WMO announced on Tuesday that El Nino conditions were present and are expected to gradually strengthen into the winter.
The last significant El Nino event occurred in 2016, which has gone down as the warmest year the world has seen since records began.
What is El Nino and what impact might it have?
What is making South Asian monsoons more deadly?
01:59 , Louise Boyle
Torrential downpours this week have led to the deaths of 100 people and unleashed havoc in northern India. Officials have described it as the worst monsoon the country has experienced in decades, writes Stuti Mishra.
The country’s deadly monsoon comes as countries the world over grapple with similar extreme weather.
The northeastern US experienced historic downpours this week, China evacuated thousands of people from flooding and landslides, and Japanese officials reported the “heaviest rain ever experienced”. Scientists say the climate crisis is playing a significant role in the intensification of such extreme weather - here’s how.
Drone footage captures Vermont’s ‘catastrophic’ flooding
New threats of flash flooding strike the south
Thursday 13 July 2023 00:34 , Louise Boyle
The National Weather Service urged residents in four towns in Arkansas’ Columbia County and Louisiana’s Claiborne Parish — Haynesville, Emerson, Horsehead and Walkerville — to move to higher ground.
Low water crossings, small creeks and streams, highways, streets and underpasses in those areas could experience “life threatening” flash flooding, the weather service said in a bulletin.
Forecasters said as many as 10 inches (25 cm) of rain had already fallen in the area and fresh thunderstorms could dump another four inches (10 cm).
Associated Press
Watch: Aerial footage shows massive landslide in Vermont after extreme rain
Wednesday 12 July 2023 23:01 , Louise Boyle
Climate activists sound the alarm after Vermont flooding: ‘Wake up, wake up’
Wednesday 12 July 2023 22:30 , Louise Boyle
Vermont is underwater. Citizens are kayaking through the streets to seek refuge. This is not a sign. This is a siren. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up. pic.twitter.com/UUSKl8wjxW
— Climate Defiance (@ClimateDefiance) July 12, 2023
Vermont flooding can be seen from space
Wednesday 12 July 2023 22:02 , Louise Boyle
Vermont’s flooding damage is so catastrophic that it can be seen from space, new satellite images have revealed.
Vermont introduces statewide boil water notice
Wednesday 12 July 2023 21:33 , Louise Boyle
Vermont was advising residents in flood-effected areas to boil water due to risk of contamination from the excessive flooding.
“The boil water notice will remain in effect until sampling can be performed to assure the water is safe,” the state said.
Watch: Bernie Sanders says Vermont flooding ‘worst natural disaster since 1927’
Wednesday 12 July 2023 21:13 , Louise Boyle
New flood threats
Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:50 , Louise Boyle
The National Weather Service warned of severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall on Wednesday across the central US.
A slow-moving storm system was blanketing the Midwest, Mississippi Valley and Plains regions.
A moderate risk of excessive rainfall is in effect on Wednesday for portions of far southwest Arkansas and northwest Louisiana, NWS noted. Heavy rainfall overnight has caused sensitive ground conditions with additional heavy rainfall expected, posing risk of scattered to widespread instances of flash flooding.
Watch: Stranded locals rescued by zip-line as torrential rains cause extreme flooding in India
Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:30 , Louise Boyle
City of Montpelier warns of sinkholes after flooding
Wednesday 12 July 2023 20:10 , Louise Boyle
Officials in the Vermont city of Montpelier warned residents to beware of potential sinkholes as flood waters recede and saturated ground settles.
“Sinkholes can develop fast and without warning. Do not walk or drive around closed roads or barricades. Please also obey traffic signals and be on the lookout for deep potholes filled with water that may damage or incapacitate your vehicle,” the city said.
Watch: Vermont Governor Phil Scott calls flooding 'historic' and vows to clean up damage
Wednesday 12 July 2023 19:50 , Louise Boyle
The town of Ludlow counts its losses
Wednesday 12 July 2023 19:33 , Louise Boyle
“We sustained catastrophic damage. We just really took the brunt of the storm,” Ludlow Municipal Manager Brendan McNamara told The Associated Press on Tuesday, as he assessed the flood’s impact around the town of 1,500 people.
Among the losses was the town’s water treatment plant. Its main supermarket remained closed. The main roadway through town had yet to be fully reopened and McNamara couldn’t begin to estimate how many houses had been damaged.
The town’s Little League field and a new skate park were destroyed, and scores of businesses were damaged.
“Thankfully we got through it with no loss of life,” McNamara said. “Ludlow will be fine. People are coming together and taking care of each other.”
Colleen Dooley returned to her condominium complex in Ludlow on Tuesday to find the grounds covered in silt and mud and the pool filled with muddy river water.
“I don’t know when we’ll move back, but it will certainly be awhile,” said Dooley, a retired teacher.
What is making South Asian monsoons more deadly?
Wednesday 12 July 2023 19:10 , Louise Boyle
Torrential downpours this week have led to the deaths of 100 people and unleashed havoc in northern India. Officials have described it as the worst monsoon the country has experienced in decades, writes Stuti Mishra.
The country’s deadly monsoon comes as countries the world over grapple with similar extreme weather.
The northeastern US experienced historic downpours this week, China evacuated thousands of people from flooding and landslides, and Japanese officials reported the “heaviest rain ever experienced”.Scientists say the climate crisis is playing a significant role in the intensification of such extreme weather - here’s how.
As rains kill more than 100 in India, what makes south Asia’s monsoons more deadly?
The Southwest is baking in prolonged 100-degree heat
Wednesday 12 July 2023 18:51 , Louise Boyle
Even Southwestern desert residents accustomed to scorching summers are feeling the grip of an extreme heat wave smacking Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Southern California this week with 100-degree-plus temps and excessive heat warnings.
To add insult to injury, the region has been left high and dry with no monsoon activity, which can help offset the blazing temperatures. In Arizona, the monsoon season officially begins June 15 and can bring powerful storms with high winds, lightning and heavy bursts of rain.
The heat has made parts of Phoenix feel like a ghost town. Sunset concerts were canceled, and covered restaurant patios equipped with cooling misters sit empty. (AP)
Pictured: The clean-up in Vermont
Wednesday 12 July 2023 18:30 , Louise Boyle
Watch: Senator Bernie Sanders shares update on flooding to fellow Vermont citizens
Wednesday 12 July 2023 18:12 , Louise Boyle
Here’s what @FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell wants Vermonters to know about the agency’s response to the flooding emergency. pic.twitter.com/ea9aRnepe4
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) July 12, 2023
‘The whole house was just shaking'
Wednesday 12 July 2023 17:50 , Louise Boyle
Vermonters were beginning to share harrowing stories of narrow escapes amid the extreme flooding.
Jeane Wolfe and Jerry Williams told The Vermont Digger, that it sounded like a waterfall rushing into their basement in the early hours of Tuesday.
“The whole house was just shaking,” Ms Wolfe told the local newspaper. “We knew that we had to leave.”
They were eventually able to evacuate with help from a rescue crew, and made it to a temporary shelter.
Watch: Water cascades down rocks close to Bear Mountain Bridge after storm lashes New Yorkstate
Wednesday 12 July 2023 17:29 , Louise Boyle
‘All hands on deck’: Vermont officials give update
Wednesday 12 July 2023 17:09 , Louise Boyle
Officials in Vermont gave an update on Wednesday amid extreme flooding as Governor Phil Scott described it as an “all hands on deck” response.
Local water rescue teams were overwhelmed with demand so additional swift response teams had been drafted in from North Carolina, while an additional Massachusetts team was on the way.
Governor gives update on Vermont flooding
Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:50 , Louise Boyle
Vermont Governor Phil Scott said that floodwaters had surpassed levels seen during Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011. Irene killed six people, washed homes off their foundations and damaged or destroyed more than 200 bridges and 500 miles of highway.
The flooding has already caused tens of millions of dollars in damage throughout the state.
There have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to the flooding in Vermont, where swift-water rescue teams aided by National Guard helicopter crews performed more than 100 rescues, Vermont Emergency Management said.
The Associated Press
Pictured: Vermont’s state capital marooned
Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:30 , Louise Boyle
More rain on the way for Vermont
Wednesday 12 July 2023 16:10 , Louise Boyle
More rain was forecast for the Green Mountain state on Thursday and Friday - but nowhere near the historic levels it has experienced so far this week.
There would be a 50 per cent chance of showers throughout the day on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. This is expected to increase to 70 per cent in the evening with the added chance of a thunderstorm.
Friday afternoon would also be possibly showery but nothing near the torrential downpours of earlier this week.
Watch: India suffers catastrophic flooding
Wednesday 12 July 2023 15:50 , Louise Boyle
It wasn’t only the US being struck with severe flooding as the climate crisis ramps up extreme impacts globally. In Manali, India, flash flooding caused massive destruction.
Montpelier gives an update
Wednesday 12 July 2023 15:31 , Louise Boyle
The city of Montpelier, Vermont gave an update on Wedneday morning via its Facebook page.
Public work crews were assessing damage in the downtown area and residents were asked to avoid the area as the clean-up gets underway.
“Thank you to all our incredible emergency responders, public works crews, and our community members who have worked tirelessly to get us through this,” the city wrote.
Before and after the rains in Richmond, Vermont
Wednesday 12 July 2023 15:10 , Louise Boyle
Vermont governor and FEMA chief to provide update on Wednesday
Wednesday 12 July 2023 14:50 , Louise Boyle
Vermont Governor Phil Scott is holding a press conference on Wednedsay morning at 11.30am local time with Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the state’s congressional leaders to provide updates on the historic flooding.
The event can be watched lived through local media outlets or on Governor Scott’s Facebook page.
Watch: The clean-up begins in Vermont
Wednesday 12 July 2023 14:30 , Louise Boyle
Vermont slowly starts to recover
Wednesday 12 July 2023 14:17 , Louise Boyle
The long and gruelling recovery work is slowly starting in Vermont after the state was deluged by two months worth of rain in two days this week.
In the capital city of Montpelier, where streets were flooded Tuesday by the swollen Winooski River, officials said that water levels at a dam just upstream appeared to be stable.
“It looks like it won’t breach. That is good. That is one less thing we have to have on our front burner,” Montpelier Town Manager Bill Fraser said. (AP)
The US braces for more extreme weather in coming days
Wednesday 12 July 2023 14:15 , Graeme Massie
Despite heavy rainfall being expected to ease later on Tuesday over New England, more extreme weather was brewing across the United States.
There was risk of heavy rainfall on Tuesday in the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley, the National Weather Service said in its short-term outlook.
Texas and other parts of the Southwest will continue to get extreme heat with advisories, watches and warnings in effect from Florida and Texas to California.
Some parts of Florida would experience record-tying/breaking temperatures in the coming days. When combined with the humidity, the “real feel” of the heat will range between 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Eastern Texas will hit the upper 90s to low 100s on Tuesday, spreading northward into additional portions of the Southern Plains and Central Plains on Wednesday. High humidity will lead to heat indices up to 110F here as well.
West Texas, as well as the Desert Southwest, will not see as much humidity but the air temperature will be hotter, ranging between the mid-100s to mid-110s, posing a similarly high risk of heat-related impacts.
Southern US to face dangerous heat conditions
Wednesday 12 July 2023 13:30 , Stuti Mishra
After extreme rainfall battered the US northeast, the southern parts of the country are bracing for extreme temperatures, the forecast from National Weather Service shows.
The forecaster said "there's going to be sweltering #heat across the Southern half of the US" by the end of this week, with "probabilities of a greater than a 100 degree (over 37C) heat index on Saturday (L) and Sunday (R)".
Looking forward to the weekend already? Well there's going to be sweltering #heat across the Southern half of the U.S. The two graphics are probabilities of a greater than a 100 degree heat index on Saturday (L) and Sunday (R). 70% probability is in red. Stay Cool!!! pic.twitter.com/VuCdyPGdcN
— National Weather Service (@NWS) July 11, 2023
Next week is expected to get even hotter with "hazardous" conditions in some parts, as "heat wave that will impact the South-Central and Southeast US," according to NWS.
Here are our latest key messages on the heat wave that will impact the South-Central and Southeast U.S. over the next week. pic.twitter.com/ot2ky1C0aI
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) July 11, 2023
Extreme heat warnings and advisories have been put in place already in several parts including southern Nevada, southern California, eastern Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas.
Meanwhile, Flordia will start to see "dangerous heat" this week "through at least Thursday, continuing the hot and dry start to the rainy season for portions of the Sunshine State," the Weather Channel reported.
Flood warning for Vermont set to expire but some rains to continue
Wednesday 12 July 2023 12:45 , Stuti Mishra
The flood warning by the National Weather Service (NWS) for parts of Vermont is set to expire at 10.30am ET today, with no further flooding expected for central, northeast, northwest, and southern Vermont, including various counties.
The weather service said heavy rain had ended across the region. However, light rain may still persist. No new flooding is expected, but existing floodwaters may be slow to recede, the service warned.
Pictured: Traversing the floodwaters
Wednesday 12 July 2023 12:02 , Graeme Massie
Watch: Are global floods getting worse?
Wednesday 12 July 2023 11:03 , Graeme Massie
Vermont capital hit hard
Wednesday 12 July 2023 10:06 , Graeme Massie
Downtown Montpelier, a city of 8,000, was swamped between the capitol building and the Winooski River. Montpelier Town Manager Bill Fraser warned on Tuesday that the Wrightsville Dam several miles to the north could exceed capacity for the first time.
“There would be a large amount of water coming into Montpelier which would drastically add to the existing flood damage,” he said, adding that there are very few evacuation options remaining. “People in at risk areas may wish to go to upper floors in their houses.”
Just before noon on Tuesday, Montpelier Police said waters had risen to within a foot of the top of the dam, and every foot of water that goes over the spillway would double the flow into the city.
Multiple rescue crews were positioned in Montpelier, where dispatch, police and fire operations were relocated to a water treatment plant after heavy flooding at City Hall and the police and fire departments. Also, the radio towers they use for emergency calls are not functional, Police Chief Eric Nordenson said.
Shelters were set up at churches and town halls, but at least one refuge had to close as flooding worsened. Delivering food and water to more than 200 people sheltering at the Barre Municipal Auditorium has been a challenge.
“We’re trying to find paths to get supplies in to them,” said John Montes, American Red Cross of Northern New England regional disaster officer.
The Associated Press
Watch: Devastating floods batter Vermont
Wednesday 12 July 2023 09:30 , Graeme Massie
Watch: Drone footage shows Montepelier underwater as dam threatened
Wednesday 12 July 2023 08:30 , Graeme Massie
Floodwaters begin receding in Vermont
Wednesday 12 July 2023 07:21 , Stuti Mishra
Floodwaters receded in Vermont cities and towns pummelled by a storm that delivered two months of rain in two days, officials say, allowing the focus to be on recovery now.
In the capital city of Montpelier, where streets were flooded on Tuesday by the swollen Winooski River, officials said that water levels at a dam just upstream appeared to be stable.
“It looks like it won’t breach. That is good. That is one less thing we have to have on our front burner,” Montpelier town manager Bill Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said the dam remains a lingering concern but with the water receding the city was shifting to recovery mode.
Public works employees were expected to start removing mud and debris in the downtown on Wednesday and building inspections will start as businesses begin cleaning up their properties.
Biden calls Vermont governor from Europe
Wednesday 12 July 2023 06:04 , Graeme Massie
President Biden called Vermont Governor Phil Scott on Tuesday from Europe where he was attending the annual NATO summit in Lithuania.
“Just got off the phone with [POTUS] Joe Biden, who offered his full support and that of the entire federal government as Vermont responds to historic flooding. I appreciate the President and his entire team for their support, hard work and close collaboration,” Governor Scott tweeted.
I just got off the phone with @POTUS Joe Biden, who offered his full support and that of the entire federal government as Vermont responds to historic flooding. I appreciate the President and his entire team for their support, hard work and close collaboration. pic.twitter.com/janNy5eVIn
— Governor Phil Scott (@GovPhilScott) July 11, 2023
Vermont is one of a number of states and cities suing Big Oil over the climate crisis
Wednesday 12 July 2023 05:07 , Graeme Massie
The state wants the companies to tell consumers that the use of fossil fuel products harms the environment, Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan said after the lawsuit was filed in Vermont Superior Court in Burlington.
The warnings could be similar to those noting the danger of tobacco products or food products that include nutritional and calorie information, he said.
Donovan, speaking outside the Chittenden County courthouse in downtown Burlington where the lawsuit was filed, said they are not trying to prevent the companies from selling their products in the state and that Vermonters will continue to be able to use fossil fuels.
“What we are saying is that Vermonters have the right to know,” Donovan said. “Give Vermonters accurate information. Put a label on the product and let Vermonters decide.”
The suit names ExxonMobil Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Sunoco LP, CITGO Petroleum Corporation and other corporations.
A spokesperson for ExxonMobil said at the time that the lawsuit was baseless and without merit and they look forward to defending the company in court.
“Legal proceedings like this waste millions of dollars of taxpayer money and do nothing to advance meaningful actions that reduce the risks of climate change,” he said. Citgo declined to comment on pending litigation. The other two companies did not respond to requests for comment.
The Associated Press
NWS Burlington gives historic rainfall totals
Wednesday 12 July 2023 04:08 , Graeme Massie
“Without further ado, we have our final rainfall map for a historic two-day rainstorm. The greatest storm total was 9.2”, with many 6-9” amounts along and just east of the Green Mountains,” tweeted NWS Burlington.
Police say Wrightsville Dam levels are holding 1ft from spillway
Wednesday 12 July 2023 03:08 , Graeme Massie
“We have monitored the water levels at the Wrightsville Dam for the last two hours and seen no significant changes,” MPD said on Tuesday afternoon.
“We have been in close contact with the onsite Vermont Dam Safety Representative who believes minimal increases can be expected. We will continue to monitor the dam throughout the night. Reminder that downtown is still an active emergency area and people should stay out until after the water recedes.Thank you all for your patience and cooperation.”
Governor has to hike to emergency centre on snowmobile trails
Wednesday 12 July 2023 02:02 , Graeme Massie
“The roads around my house were completely impassable this morning. Grateful for the @VTVast snowmobile trail network, which I was able to hike through to get to an open road and on to our emergency response center,” Gov Phil Scott tweeted on Tuesday.
