Vermont, 2019

Flash Flooding and Flooding in Vermont, November 1, 2019

November 1, 2019 · NWS BTV · 26 events in 19 counties and zones

A developing area of low pressure moved from the Gulf of Mexico on during the night of the 30th and moved north into the eastern Great Lakes as it intensified during the evening of October 31st. As the surface low moved across Ontario during the night of October 31st, its associated cold front slowly edged across Vermont during the early morning hours of November 1st.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 15 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$4.8 million
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
26

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS BTV wrote it up.

A developing area of low pressure moved from the Gulf of Mexico on during the night of the 30th and moved north into the eastern Great Lakes as it intensified during the evening of October 31st. As the surface low moved across Ontario during the night of October 31st, its associated cold front slowly edged across Vermont during the early morning hours of November 1st.

The upper level pattern was very strong and dynamic with a direct moisture feed from the Gulf of Mexico, thus delivering copious amounts of moisture into the northeast and NY.

Steady rain developed during the mid to late evening of October 31st and became heavy at times through the early morning hours of November 1st. Rainfall amounts 1.5 to 2 inches were common across much of Vermont with a swath of 2 1/2 to 4 inches across northwest and north central Vermont.

Numerous flooded streams, flooded and several washed out roads were reported in northern Vermont beginning just after midnight on November 1st and several larger rivers flooded as well, including the Lamoille, Missisquoi basins and portions of the Winooski and Mad River basins. Urban street flooding occurred in the Burlington area just after 10 pm on October 31st.

In addition, strong southwest to west winds, gusting to 40 to 50 mph and locally higher, developed around sunrise and continued through mid-afternoon before quickly diminishing by evening. These persistent strong winds combined with over-saturated soils, led to numerous downed trees, structural damage and escalated power outages to their peak of more than 100,000 outages. Estimated public infrastructure damage in excess of $5 million.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Burlington, VT wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Oct 31, 9:31 PM EST, 2 hours 29 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Oct 31, 9:31 PM EST, 2 hours 29 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Burlington VT
1031 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

.SYNOPSIS...
A powerful storm system will lift out of the Ohio Valley into
Canada, which will produce very strong and gusty winds across
the North Country. Localized wind gusts to 65 mph are expected
over northern New York with 50 to 55 mph anticipated over most
of Vermont, which will cause scattered to widespread power
outages, especially on Friday. Additionally, heavy rainfall with
totals of one to two inches, up to locally three inches, could
produce urbanized flooding in poor drainage area, as well as
some river flooding. Cooler and drier weather returns for the
weekend with some lingering lake enhanced rain and snow showers
possible.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH FRIDAY NIGHT/...
As of 1024 PM EDT Thursday...Flood watch remains over much of
Northern New York and all of Vermont with a High Wind Warning
remaining in effect for portions of Northern New York. A Wind
Advisory is in effect for the remainder of the North Country.

No significant changes were made with this update. Steady rain
has spread over much of the region, with a line of stronger
activity stretching from the Northeast Kingdom down into
southern Essex County, NY. This line produced gusty winds and
very heavy rainfall as it moved through the Champlain Valley,
and will continue to do so as it exits into NH. The movement of
this precip is just a tad faster than previously anticipated,
but overall things remain in good shape. Only made minor tweaks
to match the latest trends with radar and surface obs.

Previous Discussion...
Highly amplified pattern over the eastern US is producing
highly efficient moisture transport into the North Country. A
stationary boundary is draped across the St. Lawrence River
Valley. Upglide of warm, moist air along the boundary is causing
widespread precipitation to spread across the region at this
time. Downstream observations indicate rates of 0.25"/hr to
0.50"/hr with this first wave of precipitation.

Surface low tracks from the Ohio River Valley into the St.
Lawrence Valley on its way to Canada around 6-8 PM. Weather
conditions will deteriorate as this feature moves over the St.
Lawrence Valley. 850mb winds will accelerate to 70 knots east of
the surface low. Relatively stable boundary layer conditions
will prevent complete transfer of momentum, but 40 to 55 mph
gusts are possible from the strong low-level jet. These
accelerating winds should cause the stationary boundary to lift
northward, which may cause a temporary respite from showers.

It will not be long before a sharp cold front moves east across
the region about 11 PM to 3 AM. Winds backs to the south partly
from ageostrophic winds as a strong isallobaric couplet
develops, yielding excellent convergence ahead of this boundary.
Due to strong mid-level flow, PWATs surge to 1.75". Efficient
warm air advection will also push temperatures to the upper 60s
to near 70 degrees F over much of Vermont, possibly toppling
daily record highs. This will result in roughly 100 J/kg of
MUCAPE with additional elevated instability available. With
this, the concern is that these thunderstorms could help mix
down the fast 70 knot winds in the mid-levels. High-res
guidance indicates bowing segments or a QLCS pushing east of the
region, lending confidence to this idea. SPC has us in a
marginal risk for severe weather this evening.

Another concern is the very heavy rainfall due to the anomalous
moisture transport and warm cloud depths. The 1.75" values are
nearly 5 standard deviations from normal. Localized 0.5" to 1"
per hour rates are likely as the cold front moves east. This
brings storm totals up to 1-2" and localized 3" is expected to
bring rivers to flood. HREF progs really show this over portions
of the Adirondacks, so the greatest confidence of local 3"
totals is over that region. See the hydro section for more
details.

Afterwards, system quickly moves northeast wind precipitation
chances quickly ending for much of the valleys. Lake enhanced
showers will remain over portions of Northern New York into
Friday.

The main concern as surface low lifts northeast are very strong
gusty winds out of the southwest early Friday morning as lapse
rates steepen, in addition to another isallobaric couplet along
the low pressure system. Forecast soundings indicate potential
for 45 to 55 knot winds to mix to the surface along the St.
Lawrence in addition to high winds over the Adirondacks,
yielding occasional gusts up to 65 mph between 4 AM and 2 PM on
Friday. Fortunately, Froude numbers and steep lapse rates
indicate limited potential for downsloping and wave breaking
along eastern slopes of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains,
but there could be faster winds in some of the downslope areas.
Winds will diminish in the afternoon as the low-level jet begins
to weaken and lift north. By evening, wind speeds rapidly drop
off and lake enhanced showers should come to an end.

So when all is said and done, a quiet Friday night as high
pressure begins to nudge into the North Country. Much of the
area will clear out with temps falling below freezing.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY THROUGH SATURDAY NIGHT/...
As of 356 PM EDT Thursday...On Saturday a weak ridge of high pressure
early moves across the region with quiet weather. Later Saturday
into Saturday night a short wave moving through the mean upper level
trof moves into the region. Forcing is weak and there isn't much
moisture so other than some clouds, not expecting much in the way of
precipitation for most of our area. As 850 temps fall to about -7C
over lake Ontario by early Sunday, there is a chance of some light
lake enhanced valley rain and mountain snow showers downwind into
our area. Looking for rather cool high temperatures in the 40s and
lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

&&

.LONG TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 356 PM EDT Thursday...The long term is relatively quiet with no
significant precipitation or impactful weather. As is typical for
early November, lots of clouds are expected with seasonable
temperatures, but trending cooler later in the week.

The broad long wave trof continues to dominate the weather pattern
across north America, but not as deeply amplified as is currently
taking place. Rather weak short waves and surface systems will move
through the mean trof in the west to southwest flow across our
region.

High pressure to our southwest and westerly flow across the Great
Lakes is expected on Sunday with some clouds and continued cool
temperatures. There could be some lingering lake effect showers
Sunday morning but should should be gone by afternoon.

A weak ridge of high pressure moves east on Monday and return SW
flow on Tuesday will allow for a little moderation in temperatures.
Another weak shortwave trof and surface trof/cold front without much
moisture moves Tuesday night or Wednesday with chance of light rain
or snow showers preceding and following it. Models differ on the
details of how this all plays out. GFS has more of cold front
passing early Wed while the ECMWF shows a weak surface trof with the
main cooling holding off until Thursday. So keeping a chance of
showers throughout the Tue-Thu period. High temperatures during the
period mainly in the 40s and lows in the 20s and 30s.

&&

.AVIATION /03Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
Through 00Z Saturday...Very active and turbulent aviation
weather with prevailing MVFR but with periods of IFR in heavy
rain and LLWS. Steady rain is spreading across the region at
this hour with MVFR/IFR conditions as warm humid air surges
into the region ahead of a strong cold front approaching from
the west. Very strong winds of 45 to 65 knots forecast at the
925mb to 850mb level will cause LLWS and strong low-level
turbulence areawide this evening through Friday morning.

Anticipate a narrow convective band of showers to move rapidly
ewd across the region 02-09Z Friday. This band may result in
wind gusts 40-50kt as it passes through the TAF sites, along
with heavy rainfall. After the band passes there may be some
brief clearing before cold advection and strong WSW winds
develop especially as the airmass becomes well mixed 12-14z
Friday. Sustained WSW winds of 20-35 kt with gusts to 40-60 kts
are expected with the strongest winds at KMSS/KSLK but 40-45 at
KBTV. This wind direction will also cause some cross wind
concerns. Again some LLWS possible especially in northern NY TAF
sites where low level winds reach about 65 kts 2-4K ft.

Those with aviation interests this evening and overnight should
continue to monitor forecasts and TAFs, as low-level
wind/turbulence conditions will be significant given strength of
approaching cold front and associated wind fields with embedded
convective elements.

Outlook...

Friday Night: VFR. NO SIG WX.
Saturday: VFR. NO SIG WX.
Saturday Night: VFR. Slight chance SHRA, Slight chance SHSN.
Sunday: VFR. Slight chance SHRA.
Sunday Night: VFR. Slight chance SHSN.
Monday: VFR. Slight chance SHRA.
Monday Night: VFR. Slight chance SHRA.
Tuesday: VFR. Chance SHRA.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
As of 1226 PM EDT Thursday...Moderate to heavy rainfall is
expected to impact the North Country this afternoon into Friday
morning with average basin accumulations in the 1.5-2.5" with
isolated amounts near 3" possible in the higher elevations.
This rainfall will cause sharp rises on many rivers. Latest
forecasts indicate the greatest potential for locally higher 3"
totals is most likely in the Adirondacks. The latest river
forecasts reflect this with the Ausable River reaching moderate
flood stage. Additionally, the following rivers are expected to
reach minor flood stage: the Missisquoi at North Troy and East
Berkshire, the Mad, the Winooski, and along with Otter Creek.
Clogged storm drains from recently fallen leaves could produce
considerable street flooding in urban areas tonight.

&&

.MARINE...
Lake wind advisory continues for south winds of 15 to 25 knots
by sunset this evening increasing to 25 to 35 knots and a few 45
knot gusts with 3 to 6 foot waves possible. Winds begin to shift
to the southwest and then to the west at 20 to 30 knots,
allowing waves to subside to 3 to 5 feet. Winds will fall below
25 knots Friday night.

&&

.BTV WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VT...Flood Watch through Friday evening for VTZ002>012-016>019.
     Wind Advisory until 5 PM EDT Friday for VTZ001>012-016>019.
NY...High Wind Warning until 5 PM EDT Friday for NYZ026-027-029>031-
     087.
     Flood Watch through Friday evening for NYZ028-030-031-034-035.
     Wind Advisory until 5 PM EDT Friday for NYZ028-034-035.

&&

SYNOPSIS...Haynes
NEAR TERM...Hastings/Haynes
SHORT TERM...Sisson
LONG TERM...Sisson
AVIATION...Hastings/Sisson
HYDROLOGY...TEAM BTV
MARINE...BTV
Hazardous weather outlook, Oct 31, 2:09 AM EST, 21 hours 51 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Burlington VT
309 AM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

NYZ026-027-029-087-010715-
Northern St. Lawrence-Northern Franklin-Southeastern St. Lawrence-
Southwestern St. Lawrence-
309 AM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EDT
FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New York.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NYZ028-034-035-VTZ002>012-016>019-010715-
Eastern Clinton-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Western Franklin-Orleans-
Essex-Western Chittenden-Lamoille-Caledonia-Washington-
Western Addison-Orange-Western Rutland-Windsor-Eastern Franklin-
Eastern Chittenden-Eastern Addison-Eastern Rutland-
309 AM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 PM EDT
FRIDAY...
...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New York, central
Vermont, northeast Vermont, northwest Vermont and southern Vermont.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Wind Advisory.

Gusty southwest winds at 20 to 30 mph with gusts in the 40 to 50 mph
are expected on Friday across parts of northern New York into
Vermont. Isolated to scattered power outages are possible.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

NYZ030-031-010715-
Southern Franklin-Western Clinton-
309 AM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM EDT
FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern New York.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

VTZ001-010715-
Grand Isle-
309 AM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 5 PM EDT
FRIDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest Vermont.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Wind Advisory.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Oct 31, 7:33 PM EST, 4 hours 27 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
833 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

NYZ028-031-034-035-VTZ005-009-011-017-018-010115-
Eastern Clinton-Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Western Clinton-Western
Rutland-Eastern Chittenden-Western Chittenden-Western Addison-Eastern
Addison-
833 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTH CENTRAL
CLINTON...ESSEX...ADDISON...NORTHWESTERN RUTLAND AND CENTRAL
CHITTENDEN COUNTIES...

At 832 PM EDT, radar indicated a line of strong thunderstorms were
located along a line extending from Wilmington to 8 miles northeast
of Wells. Movement was northeast at 55 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Essex Junction, Burlington International Airport, Middlebury, South
Burlington, Burlington, Vergennes, Moriah, Willsboro, Crown Point,
Westport, Wilmington, Elizabethtown, Keene, Minerva, Schroon Lake,
Orwell, Essex Junction Village, Au Sable Forks, Addison and Shoreham.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 4353 7324 4356 7326 4358 7330 4363 7331
      4363 7337 4357 7340 4359 7343 4364 7343
      4377 7335 4381 7338 4374 7406 4379 7405
      4381 7409 4441 7387 4461 7293 4347 7325
TIME...MOT...LOC 0032Z 247DEG 46KT 4438 7380 4345 7414

Hastings
Special weather statement, Oct 31, 8:17 PM EST, 3 hours 43 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
917 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

NYZ034-035-VTZ002-003-005>012-016>019-010200-
Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Western Franklin-Western Rutland-Western
Addison-Washington-Lamoille-Caledonia-Eastern Rutland-Windsor-Eastern
Chittenden-Western Chittenden-Eastern Franklin-Orleans-Eastern
Addison-Orange-
917 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN ESSEX...
LAMOILLE...NORTHWESTERN CALEDONIA...NORTHWESTERN ORANGE...
SOUTHWESTERN ORLEANS...ADDISON...NORTH CENTRAL RUTLAND...
CHITTENDEN...NORTHWESTERN WINDSOR...WASHINGTON AND SOUTHWESTERN
FRANKLIN COUNTIES...

At 916 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from near Milton to near Westport to near
Crown Point Center. Movement was east at 45 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Essex Junction, Barre, Burlington International Airport, Montpelier,
Middlebury, South Burlington, Burlington, Vergennes, Moriah, Crown
Point, Morrisville, Westport, Braintree Hill, Cambridge, Salisbury,
Glover, Waterbury Village, Websterville, Orwell and Albany.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 4479 7206 4420 7244 4385 7262 4378 7367
      4471 7316
TIME...MOT...LOC 0116Z 270DEG 41KT 4460 7313 4415 7341 4393 7352

Hastings
Special weather statement, Oct 31, 9:09 PM EST, 2 hours 51 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
1009 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

VTZ003-004-006>012-016>019-010315-
Western Rutland-Western
Addison-Washington-Lamoille-Essex-Caledonia-Eastern
Rutland-Windsor-Eastern Chittenden-Eastern Franklin-Orleans-Eastern
Addison-Orange-
1009 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT LAMOILLE...CALEDONIA...
ORANGE...ORLEANS...ESSEX...CENTRAL ADDISON...NORTH CENTRAL RUTLAND...
SOUTHEASTERN CHITTENDEN...NORTHERN WINDSOR...WASHINGTON AND
NORTHEASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES...

At 1008 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located
along a line extending from Jay to Hyde Park Village to Salisbury.
Movement was northeast at 35 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Barre, St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, Middlebury, Newport City, Island
Pond, Lyndon, Morrisville, Orleans, Derby Center, Charleston, Jay,
Braintree Hill, Bradford, Newport Town, Salisbury, Glover, Waterbury
Village, Montgomery Center and Websterville.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 4500 7154 4491 7149 4475 7163 4459 7155
      4456 7160 4448 7160 4441 7171 4440 7179
      4435 7182 4432 7203 4427 7207 4427 7206
      4408 7203 4399 7212 4396 7210 4380 7219
      4383 7330 4461 7272 4501 7260 4501 7147
TIME...MOT...LOC 0208Z 247DEG 31KT 4495 7247 4460 7259 4392 7314

Hastings
Local storm report, Oct 31, 10:46 PM EST, 1 hour 14 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
1146 PM EDT THU OCT 31 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1030 PM     FLOOD            1 N WINOOSKI            44.51N  73.18W
10/31/2019                   CHITTENDEN         VT   BROADCAST MEDIA

            NUMEROUS REPORTS OF FLOODING ACROSS THE CITY, INCLUDING
            PINE ST., S. MAIN ST. AND UNION ST.

&&

EVENT NUMBER BTV1901603

JMG
Special weather statement, Oct 31, 10:46 PM EST, 1 hour 14 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Burlington VT
1146 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

NYZ034-035-VTZ005-006-008>010-017-018-010445-
Western Essex-Eastern Essex-Eastern Chittenden-Western
Chittenden-Western Addison-Washington-Lamoille-Eastern
Addison-Orange-
1146 PM EDT Thu Oct 31 2019

...A LINE OF SHOWERS WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN ESSEX...SOUTHWESTERN
LAMOILLE...NORTHWESTERN ORANGE...ADDISON...SOUTHERN CHITTENDEN AND
WASHINGTON COUNTIES...

At 1146 PM EDT, radar indicated showers were located along a line
extending from near Westport to near Moriah to 7 miles southwest of
Crown Point Center. Movement was northeast at 50 mph.

Winds in excess of 40 mph are possible with these showers.

Locations impacted include...
Middlebury, Vergennes, Montpelier, South Burlington, Essex, Crown
Point, Morrisville, Westport, Cornwall, Weybridge, Monkton Ridge,
Waterbury Village, Lincoln, Monkton, Monkton Boro, Williston, New
Haven, Worcester, Middlesex and Port Henry.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these showers, and may
cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

LAT...LON 4462 7256 4443 7250 4408 7259 4388 7358
      4409 7347 4431 7347
TIME...MOT...LOC 0346Z 238DEG 43KT 4423 7349 4409 7349 4388 7359
Local storm report, Oct 31, 11:49 PM EST, 11 minutes before
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BURLINGTON VT
1249 AM EDT FRI NOV 01 2019

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1246 AM     FLASH FLOOD      3 S WESTFORD            44.58N  73.02W
11/01/2019                   CHITTENDEN         VT   TRAINED SPOTTER

            HIGH WATER ACROSS SEVERAL SPOTS ALONG ST. ROUTE 128
            SOUTH OF WESTFORD. WATER UP TO CAR DOORS IN SPOTS.

&&

EVENT NUMBER BTV1901604

JMG

The radar

The Burlington radar (KCXX), 7 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 04:59 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

16 strong wind, 6 flash flood, 4 flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flood, Chittenden

When
November 1, 12:00 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where
Chittenden County, 0.8 mi NE of South Burlington to 2.86 mi NNE of Shelburne
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
44.459, -73.209

Numerous reports of street flooding and some stranded vehicles in poorly drained roads across Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski, Williston and Essex Junction. Some of these roads included, Rte 2, Williston Rd, Pine street, Winooski Ave and more. This continued into the early morning hours of November 1st.

Flash Flood, Addison

When
November 1, 12:00 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where
Addison County, 0.08 mi SW of Starksboro to 0.43 mi NE of Starksboro
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
44.229, -73.051

Numerous roads washed out in Starksboro, including near Lewis Creek at States Prison Road. Several houses flooded with a few shifted off foundation due to flooding.

Flash flooding transitioned to areal flooding in and outside of the initial flash flooding area.

Flash Flood, Chittenden

When
November 1, 12:30 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where
Chittenden County, 0.53 mi E of Jonesville to 1.05 mi SSW of Richmond
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$500,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
44.380, -72.939

Numerous roads washed out in Huntington, Hinesburg and Richmond, including Dugway road in Huntington. Several houses flooded with a few shifted off foundation due to flooding.

Flash flooding transitioned to areal flooding in and outside of the initial flash flooding area including communities like Williston, Jericho, Essex, Bolton and South Burlington.

Flash Flood, Chittenden

When
November 1, 12:30 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where
Chittenden County, 1.19 mi S of Bowman Corners to 1.85 mi N of Essex Center
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$150,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
44.553, -73.050

Numerous roads washed out and flooding up to several feet onto cars near Westford and along Route 128 moving into Franklin county in portions of Fairfax and Fletcher.

Flash flooding transitioned to areal flooding in and outside of the initial flash flooding area including the Browns and Winooski rivers.

Flash Flood, Franklin

When
November 1, 12:30 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where
Franklin County, 1.44 mi NNW of Fairfax to 0.51 mi SW of Fairfax
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
44.690, -73.030

Numerous roads washed out and flooding up to several feet onto cars near Fairfax and Fletcher and south into Chittenden county in Westford and neighboring communities.

Flash Flood, Franklin

When
November 1, 1:00 AM EST to 3:00 AM EST
Where
Franklin County, 1.67 mi SE of East Sheldon to 1.5 mi NW of East Enosburg
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$750,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
44.886, -72.842

Numerous roads flooded with full and partial road washouts and swift water rescues in Montgomery, Enosburg Falls and Richford vicinity. Additional flooding later in te day as a result of river flooding from the Missisquoi river.

Flash flooding transitioned to areal flooding in and outside of the initial flash flooding area including the Missisquoi river and its tributaries.

Flash Flood, Lamoille

When
November 1, 1:30 AM EST to 3:30 AM EST
Where
Lamoille County, 2.33 mi S of Morses Mill to 0.88 mi SE of Stowe Fork
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$750,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
44.547, -72.806

Numerous roads washed out, including State Routes in Stowe, Johnson, Eden, Belvidere and immediately neighboring communities including Wolcott. A few bridge washouts as well as basement flooding and structural damage to property.

Flash flooding transitioned to areal flooding in and outside of the initial flash flooding area within Lamoille county including the Lamoille river.

Flood, Orleans

When
November 1, 2:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where
Orleans County, 0.37 mi ESE of North Troy to 1.65 mi ENE of Holland
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$750,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
44.998, -72.393

Several roads flooded due to very heavy rainfall across Orleans county. Some of the more intense flooding occurred near the headwaters region of the Missisquoi near Lowell and North Troy.

Flood, Washington

When
November 1, 2:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where
Washington County, 0.53 mi SW of Warren to 2.05 mi SE of Websterville
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
44.115, -72.858

Several roads flooded due to very heavy rainfall across Washington county, including the middle watershed of the Winooski and the Mad River.

Flood, Essex

When
November 1, 3:00 AM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where
Essex County, 0.94 mi SSE of Canaan to 1.27 mi NNW of Bloomfield Arpt
Cause
Heavy Rain
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Fire Department/Rescue
Coordinates
44.987, -71.525

Several roads flooded due to very heavy rainfall across Essex county.

Strong Wind, Caledonia

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Caledonia forecast zone
Measured
46 kt (53 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.465, -72.102 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

Strong Wind, Essex

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Essex forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.728, -71.736 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

Strong Wind, Eastern Chittenden

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Chittenden forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.461, -73.081 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Eastern Franklin

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Franklin forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.858, -72.912 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Eastern Rutland

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Rutland forecast zone
Measured
42 kt (48 mph) measured gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
43.580, -73.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 45 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

Strong Wind, Grand Isle

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Grand Isle forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.797, -73.295 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

Strong Wind, Eastern Addison

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Eastern Addison forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.031, -73.141 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Lamoille

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Lamoille forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.606, -72.641 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Orleans

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Orleans forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.829, -72.244 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Washington

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Washington forecast zone
Measured
42 kt (48 mph) measured gust
Property damage
$50,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.273, -72.615 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 45 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Western Addison

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Addison forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.031, -73.141 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Western Chittenden

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Chittenden forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.461, -73.081 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Western Franklin

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Franklin forecast zone
Measured
48 kt (55 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$75,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.858, -72.912 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages. Also, due to saturated soils, many trees were uprooted as well, leading to closed roads and some structural damage.

Strong Wind, Western Rutland

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Western Rutland forecast zone
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) measured gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
43.580, -73.037 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 45 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

Strong Wind, Windsor

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Windsor forecast zone
Measured
43 kt (49 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
Mesonet

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

Strong Wind, Orange

When
November 1, 8:00 AM EST to 3:00 PM EST
Where
Orange forecast zone
Measured
39 kt (45 mph) measured gust
Property damage
$25,000
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
44.006, -72.377 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Strong winds with wind gusts in excess of 45 mph at times caused numerous downed tree limbs and subsequent power outages.

What these are

Flood
Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.
Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Strong Wind
Non-thunderstorm winds below high wind criteria that nonetheless caused damage or casualties.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Vermont in 2019Every state in 2019This day in weather historyWarnings in Vermont, November 2019

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 859014, 860627, 860630, 860643, 861877, 860729, 860640, 860737, 860739, 860738, 860740, 860741, 860743, 860744, 860745, 860746, 860748, 860749, 860750, 860751, 860752, 860753, 860754, 860755, 860756, 860757.