In the US, what is being termed as a one in 1,000 years flooding event has occurred, with a state of emergency called in New York and Vermont. From Sunday to Tuesday, vast quantities of rain fell across the two states. More than 30 locations in Vermont recorded more than 150mm (5.9 inches) of rain, with Plymouth and Mt Holly recording 230mm and 220mm respectively. At least four bridges are reported to have collapsed in the Plymouth area, leaving some families stranded in their homes. Meanwhile, storms in the state of New York brought more than 175mm of rain in a four-hour period at West Point on Sunday afternoon.
Such large amounts of rainfall led to fluvial flooding as rivers such as the Hudson in New York and the Winooski in Vermont breached their banks. A 43-year-old woman died in the Hudson Valley as flood waters swept her and her dog away.
The Winooski River crested above 6.4 metre (21ft) on Tuesday morning – 1.8 metres above what is usually considered the flooding stage. It was the river’s second highest crest since the great floods in November 1927. The Winooski passes through the stater capital, Montpelier, and as a result of extensive flooding, officials were forced to close the city centre, with many streets underwater. The nearby Wrightsville Dam was a big concern, with the risk of overflowing and spilling into the North Branch River. But the dam stabilised at its maximum capacity, avoiding a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Levels fell below the major flood stage later on Wednesday, allowing water to recede back towards their respective rivers, revealing many roads, residences and businesses that had been damaged or washed away.
In Europe, a heatwave is under way and is expected to continue into next week, with temperatures 5C above the climate average, although they could peak up to 10-15C above in some areas. The heat has already killed a construction worker in the city of Lodi in northern Italy.
English (US)