Vermont Flood Disasters

In November 1927, Vermont experienced the most destructive(causing great damage) natural disaster in its history. In 1927, large amounts of rain fell in the summer and fall. That November, heavy rain hit again. This caused the streams to overflow with excess(too much) water. The water rushed into cities and towns across the state. Many homes, farms, and roads were destroyed. Vermonters lost their lives as well. A plaque stands on the Vermont State House Lawn in Montpelier. It shows the water level the capital suffered during the flood.

Vermonters thought that the 1927 flood was a once in a century event. In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene struck Vermont in some areas even worse than the Flood of 1927. Irene began as a hurricane(a powerful storm with very strong winds and heavy rain), bringing high winds and heavy rain into the state. The flooding separated entire towns from one another. The town of Cavendish needed rescue teams to fly into the area on helicopters to bring aid(help) to the Vermonters trapped in their homes.

Almost 12 years later Vermont suffered yet another flood. In July 2023, Vermont had a lot of rain. The ground was saturated(to become thoroughly soaked with liquid so that no more can be absorbed) from rain that fell earlier in the month. Like the earlier floods in Vermont history, the rivers could not hold any more water. People could not get out of their homes or businesses. Rescue teams had to help them escape. Many people brought their own kayaks from home to help in flooded areas.