Severe Flooding in Lyndon, Vermont

Lyndon, a rural town in northeastern state, is grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding that occurred on July 30, which resulted in significant infrastructure damage. Municipal Administrator Justin Smith expressed the urgent need for a three-week drought to halt further water-related issues, emphasizing that the town is struggling to maintain ongoing recovery efforts while preparing for potential future rain events. The flooding has led to the destruction of five homes, damage to 20 to 30 others, and the loss of five bridges. In response to the flooding, a flood watch has been issued for the area from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Town officials are actively working to clear debris from heavily damaged roads, empty culverts, and reinforce vulnerable areas along the brook with large rocks to mitigate further damage. While some roads remain closed, a temporary bridge was installed to restore access for approximately 30 residents, including a local dairy farmer who had been unable to transport milk. Residents are expressing their concerns about the ongoing situation. Jaqi Kincaid, a local resident, fears that additional rainfall could threaten her home, while an elderly woman voiced her worries about the lack of phone and internet service. The local dairy farm has faced significant financial losses, having to dump milk for nearly a week, amounting to approximately $1,500 in daily losses. Smith highlighted the precarious state of the town's infrastructure, noting that the damage to culverts and drainage systems complicates recovery efforts and raises concerns about future flooding impacts.