On July 19, 2023

Storms send a signal

 

By Angelo Lynn

Editor’s note: Angelo Lynn is the editor and publisher of the Addison County Independent, a sister publication of the Mountain Times. 

As Vermont braces for more rain again later this week, state, municipal and volunteer crews are working miracles to restore devastated downtowns, get commercial and retail buildings cleaned out, and repair hundreds of personal residences as well as reconstruct damaged roads and bridges. As with after Tropical Storm Irene, the speed with which buildings and roads are returned to a usable state will be almost as surprising as the shock of the devastation done.

That’s high praise for the resilience of the state, and of each affected community.

Equally important, however, is planning for the next deluge. The reality is our changing climate means there will be another flood and it’ll happen sooner than expected.

The frequency should change the calculus of how towns respond. 

In many instances, it may no longer be reasonable to put our heads down, shoulders to a shovel, and mindlessly rebuild in the same location. That’s grit and determination, but is it smart?

The current flooding ranks right up there with Tropical Storm Irene in late August of 2011 (just a dozen years ago); before then it is comparable to the great flood of 1927 — 84 years prior. It’s anyone’s guess, but if I were betting, I’d wager the next flood on this scale will be closer to 10 years than 84. 

Science has an explanation. Higher average temperatures on land mean the atmosphere holds 7% more moisture for each 1.8 degrees (F.) rise. A warmer Atlantic Ocean compounds the problem. Climate scientists have been telling us this for years, and they are predicting more rain more often in this part of the country.

The question then is two-fold 1) how do we rebuild onsite in ways that are flood resistant, and if that is not practical what’s the trigger point that prompts a move to higher ground; and 2) are we pursuing long-term solutions?

Each town has to answer the first question, as flooding and rainfall are so localized as to make any general edict impractical, but the state should encourage such planning with grant incentives — particularly for flood-prone communities and those that may not have done enough in the aftermath of Irene.

As for longer-term solutions, the state could do more to move residents off fossil fuels by encouraging greater use of renewables and transitioning from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles and hybrids. 

And because EV chargers need to be more prolific sooner than later, it will likely be up to municipalities to play a more aggressive role in making their downtowns (and commercial districts) EV friendly with state aid helping but not meeting the need.

Locally, residents should simply ask: Are we prepared when 9-10 inches of rain soaks us? 

Now’s the time to prepare.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Superstar Six-Pack construction hits new phase as helicopters fly in concrete

July 3, 2025
KILLINGTON — Construction of the new Superstar six-pack chairlift has reached an exciting phase this summer, with helicopters now flying in concrete for the tower and terminal footings. On Wednesday, July 1, a helicopter was seen flying to Killington Resort with a payload of concrete. Killington Resort is replacing its iconic Superstar Express quad with…

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Gov. Phil Scott, we’ve never needed you more, where are you?

July 2, 2025
Dear Editor, I was scheduled to be the final speaker at the “No Kings” rally in Burlington last week. Unfortunately, the event ran longer than anticipated, and I was not able to address the crowd. Here’s what I had planned to say:  Good afternoon. My name is Larry Satcowitz. I’m a state representative from Randolph.…

H.454 passed but not a done deal

July 2, 2025
By Rep. Peter Conlon Editor’s note: Rep. Peter Conlon, D-Cornwall, is chair of the House Education Committee. The passage of the education bill, H. 454, in the General Assembly, and presumably gaining the governor’s signature into law, marks the start of efforts to transform Vermont’s education system into one that recognizes the incredible demographic changes…