Warm week puts Vermont under flood watch

Vermont and northern New York are under a flood watch for the next 24 hours, with rain, snowmelt and ice jams expected to swell local waterways during that time.

The flood watch starts at 1 p.m. today and is due to last until Friday at 4 p.m.

Along with larger rivers, experts warn that creeks and streams may rise out of their banks and low-water crossings may be flooded. Motorists are urged to use caution and to never drive through any flooded areas.

The combination of snow melt and moderate to heavy rainfall may see sharp rises for many waterways, the National Weather Service reported. Rivers being closely monitored include: Ausable, Saranac, Salmon, Lamoille, Winooski, Mad and Otter Creek.

Rainfall totals will range from about three quarters of an inch in the Connecticut River valley up to two inches in parts of northern New York, where isolated higher amounts are possible, NWS stated.

Those who need to travel are asked to track the weather and be prepared to make alternate plans should flooding occur.

Additionally, a wind advisory is in effect for Windsor and Rutland counties in Vermont. Read more from both weather alerts at this link.

— Gareth Henderson