Storm Updates [Updated Dec. 18 at 3:30pm]
[Update – Dec. 18 @ 3:30 p.m.]
According to recent estimates, Brattleboro received more than 4 inches of rain during the storm. West Brattleboro was the most heavily impacted area. Earlier in the day, 12 residents from Mountain Home Park, located along Village, Valley, and Edgewood Drive, were evacuated but have since been allowed to return home.
The Department of Public Works has reported that 19 roads have sustained damage. Currently, Hescock Road, George F. Miller Drive, and Dettman Drive are closed, while six others have reduced lanes. Crews are expected to work on all affected roads on Tuesday.
More than 40 employees from the Department of Public Works, Fire Department and Brattleboro Police were assigned to handle the storm response.
The rain is subsiding, and the brook and stream levels are back within their banks. Despite heavy flow rates caused by the storm, Brattleboro’s infrastructure was able to handle the excess water. The wastewater treatment plant was flowing the equivalent of 6.2 million gallons per day, which is significantly higher than the normal flow of 1.5 million gallons per day.
[Original Post Below – Posted Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m.]
Since the rain storm began late in the day on Dec. 17, Brattleboro has received 2 inches of rain. Towns west of Brattleboro have received up to 3 inches of rain. With the amount of rain and snow melt from higher elevations, Brattleboro is experiencing flooding prominently in the West Brattleboro area.
The Department of Public Works, Fire Department, and Brattleboro Police are working diligently to keep roads passable and safe for travel. Town staff have notified and are assisting residents in the Mountain Home Trailer Park, along Valley Road and Edgewood Road, with evacuation.
The bridges on Dettman Drive, George F. Miller Drive, and Meadow Brook Road are currently closed because of water going over them. Other roads have minor water flows, and our team will continue to monitor the situation. Please use caution when you encounter water passing over roadways and use alternate routes.
The National Weather Service has advised we have seen the heaviest rain for our area. We will continue to see light rain for the remainder of today. We are expected to see high winds, which could cause downed power lines and power outages. Stay away from all down lines. Please report downed lines to Green Mountain Power, and, if they appear to be live and arcing, call 911. Prepare for potential long power outages.
Town staff will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates to the public regarding any significant changes.