Figure 8: Severe flash flooding forced the Stevens River to leap its banks and scour out a huge pit in front of the old Village Store in Barnet, Vermont, damaging the building and uncovering an early foundation built on the original bedrock at Stevens Falls (NWS Burlington photo).

On July 10-11, 2023, Vermont was hit with historic and catastrophic flooding. Over this two-day period, some parts of Vermont received over 9 inches of rain, washing out roads and bridges and flooding homes, cities, villages, and farms. In Woodstock and the surrounding towns, many homes and businesses flooded, including the Riverside Mobile Home Park, whose residents were evacuated as the Ottauquechee River rose.

Incredibly, Vermont experienced flooding on the same day–July 10^th–not only in 2023 but also in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, riverine and flash flooding, some extreme, affected the region. According to the National Weather Service, this generally occurred in a 30-40 mile wide band extending from Essex County, New York east-northeastward through portions of Addison, Chittenden, Washington, Lamoille, Caledonia, and Essex Counties in Vermont. Vermont Emergency Management received nearly 700 reports of damage related to flooding. Numerous roads and bridges were impacted or completely washed out, and local first responders had to perform swift water rescues.

In 2025–once again on July 10^th–slow-moving thunderstorms produced localized flash flooding across Vermont. Sutton, West Burke, Orleans, New Haven, and East Haven were hit the hardest. A supercell in Orleans County produced large hail, and a roof was partially torn off Middlebury High School.

In general, flooding in Vermont is most common during the summer. July in particular has the highest number of flash flood reports because July has the highest heat and humidity, which feed slow-moving thunderstorms. That said, the extreme flooding we are seeing is the result of weather patterns that are heightened by climate change. Looking at data from 1901 to 2014 in the northeast, a study found a 50% increase in extreme precipitation events from 1996 to 2014. This increase was linked to climate change. Perhaps even more worryingly, this trend is predicted to continue. By 2099, extreme precipitation in the Northeast is expected to increase by another 52%.

To be alive in this moment is to accept the reality of impending climate disasters on the horizon. The events of July 10, 2023, 2024, and 2025 serve as a stark reminder of our vulnerabilities and the urgent need for resilience-building measures. As we continue this journey, Sustainable Woodstock remains dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and advocating for policies that prioritize climate adaptation and equity. Together, we can build a future where all members of our community, especially those most at risk, can weather the storms ahead with greater security and hope.

Flood recovery resources

• For state road closure information, visit newengland511.org or follow @511VT on X. (For local road closures, use the Waze app or monitor town communications, such as a website or Facebook page.)
• You can sign up for alerts from the state at vtalert.gov.
• The latest forecasts and water levels for specific rivers are provided by the National Water Prediction Service.
• Find power outage information at vtoutages.org.
• To find more resources and services, and to report flood damage, call Vermont 2-1-1 or visit vermont211.org.
• For a list of state resources and guidance about flooding, visit vermont.gov/flood. The guidance includes returning home after a flood, cleaning up, and dealing with mold.
• Find flood recovery information in multiple languages at vem.vermont.gov/flood/translation.
• To request cleanup help from volunteers and groups, call the Crisis Cleanup hotline at 802-242-2054.
• For mental health support, call 9-8-8 or call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
• To register through the state to volunteer, visit vermont.gov/volunteer.
• If flood waters reached your private well or spring, order a drinking water test kit through the Vermont Department of Health.
• Find flood-prone areas near you with the Vermont Flood Ready Atlas.